Calvert County, Maryland

Survey Area MD009• Maryland

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Calvert 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
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

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.