Marion County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Marion County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmon channery silt loam, 30 to 80 percent slopes, very rocky | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carpenter-Lenberg complex, 20 to 45 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood-Cynthiana complex, 20 to 30 percent slopes, eroded, very rocky | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trappist-Rohan-Greenbriar complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes, eroded, rocky | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cynthiana-Faywood-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tilsit-Berea silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crider silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trappist-Jessietown complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rohan-Trappist complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes, eroded, very rocky | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sandview silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lowell silty clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Newark silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rohan-Trappist complex, 6 to 20 percent slopes, eroded, very rocky | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawrence silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicholson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eden-Cynthiana complex, 20 to 35 percent slopes, eroded, rocky | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elk silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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.