New Castle County, Delaware
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 New Castle County, Delaware. 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 | 45K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Reybold silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ingleside-Hammonton-Fallsington complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Talleyville-Montalto-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Broadkill mucky silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, tidal | 8K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg-Wheaton-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glenelg loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Elsinboro-Delanco-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hammonton-Fallsington-Mullica complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reybold silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Reybold-Queponco complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fallsington loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Altlantic Coastal Plain | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neshaminy-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Leipsic silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hambrook-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hatboro-Codorus complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, 0 to 10 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 23% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 52% 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.