Howard County, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.