Hampshire County, Massachusetts, Central Part
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Hampshire County, Massachusetts, Central Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlton-Rock outcrop-Hollis complex, steep | 9K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Hadley silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Narragansett-Holyoke complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Walpole sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Merrimac fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Merrimac fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Winooski silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlton-Rock outcrop-Hollis complex, sloping | 3K | Well drained | Not rated | Very limited | |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley-Merrimac-Urban land complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Windsor loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Scitico silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Raynham silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Limerick silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Amostown-Windsor silty substratum-Urban land complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Not rated | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.