Aroostook County, Maine, Southern Part
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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, Southern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monarda-Burnham complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony | 91K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Howland loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 75K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Burnham complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 70K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Howland gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 68K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plaisted-Howland association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 67K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Thorndike channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 64K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Burnham complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 57K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peat and Muck | 49K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thorndike channery silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 48K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plaisted-Howland association, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 37K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Plaisted loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 31K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Plaisted gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water bodies | 29K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Plaisted gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mapleton shaly silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Thorndike-Howland association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very rocky | 24K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thorndike-Howland association, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 23K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thorndike channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plaisted loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Conant silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% 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 96% 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.