Dukes County, Massachusetts

Survey Area MA007• 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 Dukes 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
Carver loamy coarse sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	10K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Water, ocean	9K			Not rated	Not rated
Carver loamy coarse sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Riverhead sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Carver loamy coarse sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Eastchop loamy sand, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	3K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Haven very fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Plymouth-Montauk complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely bouldery	2K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Eastchop loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	2K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Eastchop-Montauk complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very bouldery	2K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water, saline	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Eastchop loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	2K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Hooksan sand, 3 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Eastchop loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Freetown and Swansea mucks, coastal lowland, 0 to 1 percent slopes	1K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Eastchop loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	1K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Riverhead sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Klej loamy coarse sand, sandy substratum, 0 to 5 percent slopes	1K	Moderately well drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Carver loamy coarse sand, 15 to 25 percent slopes	1K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Nantucket-Plymouth complex, rolling, very stony	988	Well drained	B	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.

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 82% 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.