Cumberland County and Part of Oxford County, Maine
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Cumberland County and Part of Oxford County, Maine. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 125K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Scantic silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 33K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoine silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 31K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Windsor loamy sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 31K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hermon sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 29K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Tunbridge complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Deerfield loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Skerry-Colonel association, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Abram complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nicholville very fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Tunbridge complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton very stony fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Suffield silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodbridge very stony fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sebago mucky peat | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hermon sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Colonel-Brayton assocation, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat 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 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.