Frederick County, Maryland

Survey Area MD021• Maryland

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Frederick 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
Mt. Airy channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Glenelg-Mt. Airy channery loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Brinklow-Blocktown channery loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Penn silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Stumptown-Bagtown-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Duffield-Ryder silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Myersville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Myersville-Burkittsville complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Penn-Reaville silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ravenrock-Highfield-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Linganore-Hyattstown channery silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Codorus and Hatboro silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Linganore-Hyattstown channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Penn channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Spoolsville-Burkittsville complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Ravenrock-Highfield-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Myersville silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Croton-Abbottstown silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Catoctin-Spoolsville complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rohrersville-Lantz silt loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/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.

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Ultisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 69% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 77% 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

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.