Charles County, Maryland

Survey Area MD017• Maryland

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Charles 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
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

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.

Ultisols

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

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

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.