Charles County, Maryland
The most common soil here is Beltsville, on about 21% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Grosstown and Marr come next.
About 32% of the land drains well, and 21% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 24% of it.
USDA rates 92% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 76% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Charles County, Maryland, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% 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 92% 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.