Worcester 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 Worcester County, Maryland.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Othello silt loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 39K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington sandy loams, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 28K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mullica-Berryland complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 27K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 24K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Askecksy loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tingles-Figgs complex, 2 to 3 meter water depth | 14K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Woodstown sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kentuck silt loam | 11K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hurlock loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mantoloking sand, 1 to 2 meter water depth, flat | 9K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Puckum muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, occasionally ponded | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hambrook sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Transquaking and Mispillion soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded, tidal | 7K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klej loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berryland mucky loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hammonton loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Northern Tidewater Area | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Coards silty clay loam, 1 to 2 meter water depth | 6K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Cottman fine sandy loam, 1 to 2 meter water depth | 6K | Subaqueous | D | Not rated | Not rated |
| Manahawkin muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded, Northern Tidewater Area | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% 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.