Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenelg silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Gaila silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brinklow-Blocktown channery silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brinklow-Blocktown channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brinklow-Blocktown channery silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penn silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Occoquan loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hatboro silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blocktown channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaila silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Baile silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wheaton-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glenelg-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Census water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Blocktown channery silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Occoquan loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 5K | D | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Penn silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 84% 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.