Prince George's County, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Prince George's County, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marr-Dodon complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Widewater and Issue soils, frequently flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marr-Dodon complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beltsville silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marr-Dodon complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Croom-Marr complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Beltsville-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Christiana-Downer-Urban land complex, 5 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | D | Not rated | Very limited | |
| Russett-Christiana-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Potobac-Issue complex, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westphalia and Dodon soils, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, highway, 0 to 65 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Marr-Dodon complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Collington-Wist complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, reclaimed gravel pits, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Collington-Wist-Urban land complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Collington-Wist complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Christiana-Downer complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Russett-Christiana complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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.