Kennebec County, Maine
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Kennebec County, Maine.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyman-Tunbridge complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 71K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge very stony fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 57K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water bodies | 56K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Scantic silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 41K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton-Charlton very stony fine sandy loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | C/D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lamoine silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 34K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ridgebury very stony fine sandy loam | 28K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Tunbridge complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 21K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 21K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scio very fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton very stony fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C/D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Buxton silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berkshire fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lyman-Abram-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Biddeford mucky peat, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton-Charlton very stony fine sandy loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C/D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton-Charlton fine sandy loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C/D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.