Hampden and Hampshire Counties, Massachusetts, Eastern Part
The most common soil here is Hinckley, on about 10% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Scituate and Canton come next.
About 68% of the land drains well, and 13% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 28% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 66% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 12% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Hampden and Hampshire Counties, Massachusetts, Eastern Part, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Hampden and Hampshire Counties, Massachusetts, Eastern 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlton-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, steep | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookfield-Brimfield-Rock outcrop complex, steep | 9K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Ridgebury fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scituate fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Charlton-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Scituate fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gloucester and Canton soils, steep, extremely stony | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freetown muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookfield-Brimfield-Rock outcrop complex, strongly sloping | 4K | Well drained | Not rated | Very limited | |
| Canton fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hinckley loamy sand, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gloucester gravelly fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Paxton and Montauk fine sandy loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 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 66% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.