Carroll County, Maryland

Survey Area MD013• Maryland

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Carroll 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
Brinklow channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Brinklow channery loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Glenelg channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Glenelg loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Glenville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Glenelg channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Penn silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Manor loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Brinklow channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hatboro silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Glenelg-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Glenelg loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Baile silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brinklow channery loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Manor loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Codorus silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Penn channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Penn loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land-Udorthents complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	3K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Abbottstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	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.

Alfisols

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

Ultisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 61% 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 75% 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.