Calvert County, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Calvert County, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downer-Dodon complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Dodon and Marr soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dodon-Marr complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ingleside-Woodstown complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zekiah and Issue soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downer-Woodstown complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dodon-Marr complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dodon and Marr soils, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ingleside loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Marr-Dodon complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ingleside-Woodstown complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Galestown-Woodstown complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Mispillion and Transquaking soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, tidally flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Galestown-Woodstown complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dodon-Crosiadore complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matapeake-Beltsville complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marr and Dodon soils, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 1K | D | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 67% 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 86% 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.