Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eden silty clay loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 101K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silty clay, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rossmoyne silt loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicholson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jessup silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rossmoyne silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eden silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Nicholson silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cynthiana flaggy silty clay loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alluvial land, steep, (wheeling, 25 to 30 percent slopes, rarely flooded) | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Jessup silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Licking silty clay loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Otwood silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Licking silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam (0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded) | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.