Soil survey area

Aroostook County, Maine, Northeastern Part

Survey Area ME607• Maine

The short version

The most common soil here is Howland, on about 17% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Plaisted and Thorndike come next.

About 42% of the land drains well, and 31% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 53% of it.

USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 72% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.

Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 15% of it.

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 ground underfoot

The soils you're most likely standing on

The biggest named soils in Aroostook County, Maine, Northeastern Part, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.

Howland

17% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · moderately well drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Spodosols

Plaisted

13% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · well drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Spodosols

Thorndike

11% of the area

Channery silt loam topsoil · somewhat excessively drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Spodosols

Burnham

9% of the area

Channery silt loam topsoil · very poorly drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Inceptisols

Monarda

8% of the area

Silt loam topsoil · poorly drained

Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.

Inceptisols

Caribou

8% of the area

Gravelly loam topsoil · well drained

A balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. The gardener's ideal.

Spodosols

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 D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Aroostook County, Maine, Northeastern Part. 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
Howland gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	125K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Monarda-Burnham complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	122K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Caribou gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	100K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Howland loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	98K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Plaisted gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	82K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Thorndike channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky	77K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Easton-Burnham complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	73K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Monarda-Burnham complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	71K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Monarda-Burnham complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony	69K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Plaisted gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	53K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Easton-Burnham complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony	52K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Thorndike channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky	50K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Conant silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	49K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water bodies	45K			Not rated	Not rated
Plaisted-Howland association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	37K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Plaisted-Howland association, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	36K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Plaisted loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	31K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Caribou gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Plaisted loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	23K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Stetson gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	A	Not 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.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 72% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 89% 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.

Look Up a Specific Address