Allegany County, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Allegany County, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weikert channery silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin very stony-Macove very rubbly complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert channery silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very flaggy | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sideling gravelly loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb gravelly sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rayne silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klinesville flaggy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton gravelly sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Rock outcrop complex, 45 to 65 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton very cobbly sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very rubbly | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Berks channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 65 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Dekalb-Rock outcrop complex, 45 to 65 percent slopes, rubbly | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. 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.