Harford County Area, Maryland
The most common soil here is Glenelg, on about 14% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Manor and Chester come next.
About 67% of the land drains well, and 8% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 15% of it.
USDA rates 73% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 41% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% 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 Harford County Area, 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Harford County Area, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chester silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Glenelg loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Neshaminy silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glenville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Codorus silt loam | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manor loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Montalto silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Manor channery loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manor loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manor soils, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Neshaminy and Montalto very stony silt loams 0 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Aldino silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chester silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Manor channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hatboro-Codorus complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hatboro silt loam | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manor very stony loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | 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 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 73% 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.