Howard County, Maryland

Survey Area MD027• Maryland

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 Howard 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
Glenelg loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Glenelg loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Manor loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Gladstone loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Manor loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Glenville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Glenville-Baile silt loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Glenelg-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	7K		B	Not limited	Not rated
Codorus and Hatboro silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gladstone loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Urban land-Udorthents complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes	4K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Hatboro-Codorus silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents, Highway, 0 to 65 percent slopes	3K			Not rated	Not rated
Glenelg loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Gladstone-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Baile silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	3K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land-Chillum-Beltsville complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes	2K		C	Not rated	Very limited
Manor-Brinklow complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes, very rocky	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land-Udorthents complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	2K		D	Not rated	Not rated
Legore-Montalto-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Not 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.

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

About 29% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

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.