Kent County, Maryland
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 Kent County, Maryland.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 62% 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.