Barnstable County, Massachusetts
The dominant drainage class is Excessively 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 Barnstable County, Massachusetts.
| 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 |
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.