Anne Arundel County, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Anne Arundel 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patapsco-Fort Mott-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Widewater and Issue soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marr and Dodon soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marr-Dodon complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Patapsco-Evesboro-Fort Mott complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marr-Dodon complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marr-Dodon complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zekiah and Issue soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 7K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Annapolis-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Russett-Christiana-Hambrook complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downer-Hammonton-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | A | Not rated | Very limited | |
| Udorthents, loamy, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras and Croom soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collington and Annapolis soils, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Collington, Wist, and Westphalia soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Galestown loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Patapsco-Fort Mott complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Downer-Hammonton complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 42% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 92% 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.