Aroostook County, Maine, Northeastern Part
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Plaisted-Howland association, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 36K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 63% 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 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
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.