Hampden and Hampshire Counties, Massachusetts, Western Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Hampden and Hampshire Counties, Massachusetts, Western Part.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 96% 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 98% 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.