Mason County, Kentucky
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Mason County, Kentucky.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eden flaggy silty clay loam, 20 to 40 percent slopes, eroded | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Faywood silt loams, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lowell-Sandview silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cynthiana-Faywood complex, very rocky, 12 to 30 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicholson silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairmount-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eden silt loam, 6 to 20 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Shelbyville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cynthiana-Faywood silty clay loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beasley silty clay, 12 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beasley silt loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wheeling silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wheeling-Nolin silt loams | 980 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Faywood silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 870 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boonesboro silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 630 | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beasley silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 490 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Otwood silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 470 | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% 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 97% 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.