Sussex County, Delaware
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Sussex County, Delaware.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 118K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mullica-Berryland complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 40K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pepperbox-Rosedale complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurlock loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 30K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rosedale loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Klej loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hammonton loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 15K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ingleside loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 13K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurlock sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pepperbox loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mullica mucky sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Longmarsh and Indiantown soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fort Mott-Henlopen complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fort Mott loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hambrook sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Transquaking and Mispillion soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, tidal | 9K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downer loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 52% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 71% 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.