Bristol County, Massachusetts, Northern Part

Survey Area MA602• Massachusetts

The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Bristol County, Massachusetts, Northern Part. 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
Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	16K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Freetown muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes	15K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	14K			Not rated	Not rated
Whitman fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, extremely stony	12K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Paxton fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Scarboro mucky fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	11K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Windsor loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony	8K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Deerfield loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Swansea muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes	7K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Charlton-Paxton fine sandy loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Hinckley loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Charlton-Paxton fine sandy loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	5K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Windsor loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	5K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Ridgebury fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, extremely stony	5K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hinckley loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Paxton fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Pits - Udorthents complex, gravelly	3K			Not 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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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 60% 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 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.