Somerset County, Maryland
The most common soil here is Quindocqua, on about 11% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Othello and Transquaking come next.
About 4% of the land drains well, and 44% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 44% of it.
USDA rates 52% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 47% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 14% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Somerset County, Maryland, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Somerset 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 115K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Quindocqua silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Transquaking and Mispillion soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, tidal | 22K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Othello silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Othello and Kentuck soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manokin silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tangier mucky peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, tidal | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mullica-Berryland complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurlock sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington-Glassboro complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Queponco silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sunken mucky silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded, tidal | 3K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Honga peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, tidal | 2K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Queponco silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Othello silt loam, loamy substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Othello-Fallsington complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 1K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Longmarsh and Indiantown soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 1K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Puckum muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, occasionally ponded | 1K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ingleside sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | A | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 52% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.