Somerset County, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 46% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 48% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.