Carroll County, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.