Cecil County, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Cecil County, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 41K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Glenelg loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Matapeake silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nassawango silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Butlertown silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russett-Christiana-Hambrook complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matapeake silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Neshaminy silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Beltsville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hatboro-Codorus complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russett-Christiana-Hambrook complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beltsville silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, northern coastal plain | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baile-Glenville complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russett-Christiana-Hambrook complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosiadore silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baile silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 33% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 62% 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.