Dukes 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 Dukes County, Massachusetts.
| 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 |
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.