Boyle and Mercer 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 Boyle and Mercer Counties, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eden silty clay loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Eden flaggy silty clay, 20 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bluegrass-Maury silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| McAfee silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairmount-Rock outcrop complex, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Garmon silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Sandview silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caleast silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fairmount-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caleast silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| McAfee silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carpenter-Lenberg gravelly silt loams, 12 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairmount-Rock outcrop complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Maury-Bluegrass silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| McAfee silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 73% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.