District of Columbia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.