Washington County, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Washington County, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Duffield silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hagerstown-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Murrill gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Weikert very channery silt loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very rocky | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ryder-Duffield channery silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Swanpond silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown silty clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Swanpond-Funkstown silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ryder-Duffield channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bagtown cobbly loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown-Duffield-Urban land complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Duffield silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dekalb-Bagtown-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klinesville-Calvin channery loams, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Funkstown silt loam | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 24% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 32% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.