Plymouth County, 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 Plymouth County, Massachusetts. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water, ocean | 24K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Water | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Freetown muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swansea muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 14K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carver loamy coarse sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Merrimac fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Carver loamy coarse sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Freetown muck, ponded, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Deerfield loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carver coarse sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Carver coarse sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Deerfield loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapoisett loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes, extremely stony | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Massasoit - Mashpee complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ipswich - Pawcatuck - Matunuck complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brockton sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norwell mucky fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Poorly drained | D | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 79% 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.