City of Baltimore, Maryland

Survey Area MD510• Maryland

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 City of Baltimore, 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
Urban land, 0 to 15 percent slopes	13K		D	Not limited	Not limited
Water	7K			Not rated	Not rated
Udorthents, smoothed, 0 to 35 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Legore-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Legore-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Jackland-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	2K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Joppa-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	1K		A	Not limited	Very limited
Montalto-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Urban land-Sunnyside-Christiana complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	1K		D	Not limited	Very limited
Urban land-Sassafras complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	1K		D	Not limited	Not limited
Joppa-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	1K		A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sassafras-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	1K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Beltsville-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	984	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land-Udorthents complex, occasionally flooded	903		D	Not limited	Not limited
Mattapex-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	870	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Keyport-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	854	Moderately well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Urban land-Sunnyside-Christiana complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	823		D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Sunnyside-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	802	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Hatboro-Codorus complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	783	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land-Sunnyside complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	681		D	Not limited	Not 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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.

Septic Systems

About 48% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.