Berkshire County, Massachusetts
The most common soil here is Lyman, on about 12% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Tunbridge and Peru come next.
About 60% of the land drains well, and 14% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 30% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 87% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 37% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Berkshire 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyman-Tunbridge association, 15 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony | 98K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Marlow association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 90K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 51K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pillsbury fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 47K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berkshire-Marlow association, 15 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony | 45K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Taconic-Macomber association, steep, very stony | 37K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Farmington-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amenia silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Taconic-Macomber association, rolling, very stony | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cwater | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Farmington loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fullam-Lanesboro association, rolling, very stony | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lanesboro-Dummerston association, steep, very stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Natchaug and Catden mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Limerick silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Amenia silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fredon fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Copake fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pittsfield-Urban land complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kendaia silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very 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 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 96% 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
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.