Essex County, Massachusetts, Northern Part
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 Essex 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water, saline | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Freetown muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 10K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ipswich and Westbrook mucky peats, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Udorthents, smoothed | 5K | A | Not limited | Very limited | |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Windsor loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Canton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Charlton-Hollis complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Charlton-Rock outcrop-Hollis complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Deerfield loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canton fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Scantic silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scarboro mucky fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | 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 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 68% 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.