Wicomico County, Maryland
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/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 Wicomico County, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullica-Berryland complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 17K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Othello silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 16K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurlock sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klej-Galloway complex, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pepperbox-Rockawalkin complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Runclint sand, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Transquaking and Mispillion soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, tidal | 9K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Corsica mucky loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenni sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berryland mucky loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fort Mott loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Askecksy loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockawalkin loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenni loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Runclint sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hammonton sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% 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 91% 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.