Caroline County, Maryland
The most common soil here is Hambrook, on about 18% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Fallsington and Ingleside come next.
About 52% of the land drains well, and 30% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 34% of it.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 48% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Caroline County, Maryland, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 48% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.