Hampden County, Massachusetts, Central Part
The dominant drainage class is Excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 County, Massachusetts, Central Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land-Hinckley-Windsor association, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | D | Not limited | Very limited | |
| Urban land | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rock outcrop-Holyoke complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Merrimac fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hinckley loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Windsor loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Merrimac fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Windsor loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Hadley-Winooski association, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hinckley loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wareham loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sudbury fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | B | 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 |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Wethersfield-Paxton association, 3 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | D | Not limited | Not limited | |
| Narragansett very fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pits, gravel | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Wethersfield fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 67% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.