Bristol County, Massachusetts, Southern Part
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Bristol County, Massachusetts, Southern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitman fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, extremely stony | 19K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freetown muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ridgebury fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, extremely stony | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ridgebury fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scarboro mucky fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water, saline | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pits - Udorthents complex, gravelly | 4K | Not limited | Very limited | ||
| Swansea muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pawcatuck and Ipswich peats, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gloucester-Hinckley complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, smoothed | 3K | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 82% 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.