District of Columbia

Survey Area DC001• District of Columbia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 District of Columbia. 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
Urban land	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Water	5K			Not rated	Not rated
Udorthents	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Urban land-Sassafras complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	1K			Not rated	Not rated
Manor-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Christiana-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Manor loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Sassafras-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	988	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sassafras-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	972	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Urban land-Chillum complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	848			Not rated	Not rated
Chillum-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	814	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Manor-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	740	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Urban land-Sassafras complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	716			Not rated	Not rated
Beltsville-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	651	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Galestown-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	614			Not limited	Very limited
Udorthents, smoothed	574			Not rated	Not rated
Brandywine-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	571	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Chillum-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	566	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Urban land-Chillum complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	557			Not rated	Not rated
Udorthents, clayey, smoothed	533	Well drained	C	Somewhat 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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 36% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.