Hampden and Hampshire Counties, Massachusetts, Western Part
The most common soil here is Lyman, on about 11% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Tunbridge and Westminster come next.
About 66% of the land drains well, and 10% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 33% of it.
USDA rates 97% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 94% 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 53% 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, Western 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 D (very slow infiltration, high 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, Western 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tunbridge-Lyman association, 15 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Tunbridge association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Chatfield association, 15 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Marlow association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 25K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pillsbury-Peacham-Wonsqueak association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 21K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westminster-Millsite association, rolling, extremely stony | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashfield-Shelburne association, rolling, extremely stony | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westminster-Millsite association, steep, extremely stony | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlow-Berkshire association, 35 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatfield-Hollis-Association, rolling, extremely stony | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlton-Paxton association, 15 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge-Paxton association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Shelburne-Ashfield association, steep, extremely stony | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scituate-Montauk association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ridgebury-Whitman-Natchaug association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lupton muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 2K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Merrimac fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley and Windsor soils, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 2K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Merrimac fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat 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 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some 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.