Worcester County, Massachusetts, Northwestern Part

Survey Area MA614• Massachusetts

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Worcester County, Massachusetts, Northwestern 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
Peru-Marlow association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony	41K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Becket-Skerry association, 0 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony	41K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Woodbridge-Paxton association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony	40K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Montauk-Scituate-Canton association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony	20K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	19K			Not rated	Not rated
Bucksport and Wonsqueak mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes	19K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Lyman-Berkshire association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony	18K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Charlton-Paxton association, 15 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Pillsbury-Peacham association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony	13K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Charlton-Chatfield-Hollis association, 15 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky	11K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Lyman-Tunbridge-Berkshire association, 15 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Ridgebury-Whitman association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony	11K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berkshire-Marlow association, 15 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Charlton-Chatfield association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony	10K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Catden and Natchaug mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Becket-Monadnock association, 15 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Colton gravelly loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Montauk-Canton association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	6K	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

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.

Spodosols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 66% 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 93% 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.