Barnstable County, Massachusetts

Survey Area MA001• Massachusetts

The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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 Barnstable County, Massachusetts. 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, saline	30K			Not rated	Not rated
Carver coarse sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	27K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Carver coarse sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes	23K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Carver coarse sand, 15 to 35 percent slopes	19K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Carver coarse sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	16K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Ipswich - Pawcatuck - Matunuck complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded	14K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Carver loamy coarse sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	13K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Water	10K			Not rated	Not rated
Enfield silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Plymouth-Barnstable complex, hilly, extremely bouldery	8K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hooksan sand, 3 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Merrimac fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Eastchop loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Merrimac fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Water, ocean	5K			Not rated	Not rated
Udipsamments, smoothed	5K			Not rated	Not rated
Beaches, sand	5K			Very limited	Very limited
Enfield silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Freetown coarse sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes, sanded surface	4K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Barnstable-Plymouth complex, rolling	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.

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.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 25% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.