Allegany County, Maryland
The most common soil here is Weikert, on about 21% of the land: a channery silt loam, smooth, like flour. Berks and Gilpin come next.
About 76% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 16% of it.
USDA rates 94% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 90% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 57% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Allegany County, Maryland, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Allegany County, Maryland. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 90% 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.