Hampden County, Massachusetts, Central Part

Survey Area MA607• Massachusetts

The dominant drainage class is Excessively 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 County, Massachusetts, Central 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
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

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.

Entisols

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

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

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.