Kent County, Maryland
The most common soil here is Mattapex, on about 16% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Matapeake and Sassafras come next.
About 35% of the land drains well, and 12% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 12% of it.
USDA rates 69% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 43% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Kent County, Maryland, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Kent County, Maryland. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 61K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mattapex silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matapeake silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex-Matapeake-Butlertown silt loams, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matapeake silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Othello silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elkton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Zekiah silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex-Matapeake-Butlertown silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colts Neck and Sassafras soils, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex-Butlertown complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex-Butlertown complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras gravelly loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex-Butlertown complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 69% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.