Talbot 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 Talbot County, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 43K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hambrook-Sassafras complex, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Elkton silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosiadore silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Othello silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hambrook-Sassafras complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hambrook-Sassafras complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nassawango silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Altlantic Coastal Plain | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Crosiadore silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Zekiah silt loam, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex-Woodstown complex, 5 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nassawango silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ingleside sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 53% 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 77% 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.