Baltimore County, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Baltimore County, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenelg loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Manor-Brinklow complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Glenville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manor loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents complex, 0 to 8 percent | 15K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Manor loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brinklow channery loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Codorus silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenville silt loam, somewhat poorly drained, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manor channery loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glenelg loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, highway, 0 to 65 percent slopes | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gaila loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Legore-Montalto-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hatboro silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 63% 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.