Charles County, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Charles County, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beltsville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 58K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grosstown-Marr-Hoghole complex, 15 to 40 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Potobac-Issue complex, frequently flooded | 28K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 18K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Grosstown-Woodstown-Beltsville complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grosstown-Marr-Hoghole complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Beltsville silt loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenni and Quindocqua soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Annemessex silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hoghole-Grosstown complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Beltsville-Grosstown-Woodstown complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beltsville-Aquasco complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grosstown gravelly silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marr-Beltsville complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Beltsville-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Piccowaxen loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mispillion and Transquaking soils, tidally flooded | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Coastal Plain | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Liverpool silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Issue silt loam, occasionally flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 79% 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 93% 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.