Knox and Lincoln Counties, Maine
The most common soil here is Lyman, on about 12% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Peru and Tunbridge come next.
About 38% of the land drains well, and 26% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 41% of it.
USDA rates 76% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 74% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: bedrock lies within 40 inches under 33% 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 soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Knox and Lincoln Counties, Maine, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
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 Somewhat excessively 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 Knox and Lincoln Counties, 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 bodies | 132K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lyman-Rock outcrop-Tunbridge complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 100K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swanville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 41K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 38K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Rock outcrop-Tunbridge complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boothbay silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scantic silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 23K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Borosaprists, ponded | 21K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Rock outcrop-Tunbridge complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Brayton variant-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoine silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boothbay silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brayton fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlow fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Buxton silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Lyman complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Very 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 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 76% 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.