Hampden and Hampshire Counties, Massachusetts, Western Part

Survey Area MA608• Massachusetts

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.