Queen Anne'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 Queen Anne's County, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ingleside sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 20K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Unicorn-Sassafras loams, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Whitemarsh silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carmichael loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurlock sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex-Butlertown silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Longmarsh and Indiantown soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Othello silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pineyneck silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matapeake silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Corsica mucky loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ingleside sandy loam, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pineyneck silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hammonton sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex-Butlertown silt loams, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nassawango silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hammonton sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Unicorn-Sassafras loams, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Unicorn-Sassafras loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 54% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 90% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.