Dorchester County, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Dorchester County, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 71K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Honga peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, tidal | 46K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elkton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 37K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Othello silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 33K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bestpitch and Transquaking soils, very frequently flooded, tidal | 29K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sunken mucky silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, tidal | 20K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Othello and Kentuck soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elkton mucky silt loam, very wet, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurlock sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Downer sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hammonton sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fort Mott loamy sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Ingleside sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fort Mott loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Puckum muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, occasionally ponded | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klej-Galloway complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nassawango silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Keyport silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.