Washington County, Maryland

Survey Area MD043• Maryland

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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
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

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.