Caroline County, Maryland

Survey Area MD011• Maryland

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Caroline 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
Hambrook sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hambrook sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Fallsington sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain	13K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ingleside loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Ingleside sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Fallsington loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Altlantic Coastal Plain	10K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Woodstown sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain	9K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fallsington sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area	8K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ingleside loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hammonton-Fallsington-Corsica complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Woodstown sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ingleside sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Cedartown loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Corsica mucky loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hambrook loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Fallsington loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hurlock sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	4K			Not rated	Not rated
Longmarsh and Indiantown soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded	4K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Zekiah sandy loam, frequently flooded	4K	Poorly drained	B/D	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.

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.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 45% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 97% 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

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.