Worcester County, Massachusetts, Southern Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Worcester County, Massachusetts, Southern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canton fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 24K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Merrimac fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whitman fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, extremely stony | 13K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freetown muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canton fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Canton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Scituate fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, smoothed | 7K | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited | |
| Montauk fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 65% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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.