Talbot County, Maryland
The most common soil here is Crosiadore, on about 10% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Mattapex and Hambrook come next.
About 25% of the land drains well, and 38% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 38% of it.
USDA rates 79% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 54% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% 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 Talbot 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 Talbot 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 | 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 |
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 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 79% 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.