Oxford County Area, Maine

Survey Area ME613• Maine

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Oxford County Area, 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
Skerry-Colonel association, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	108K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Monadnock-Hermon association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	92K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lyman-Tunbridge-Monadnock complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	57K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lyman-Tunbridge-Monadnock complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very stony	41K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hermon-Skerry association, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	37K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Water	33K			Not rated	Not rated
Skerry-Becket association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	32K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brayton-Peacham complex, gently sloping, very stony	29K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Skerry-Colonel association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	25K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Peru-Marlow association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	23K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Monadnock-Skerry association, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	22K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Monadnock-Hermon association, 15 to 60 percent slopes, very stony	21K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lyman-Tunbridge-Monadnock complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	18K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Skerry-Becket association, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	18K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Colonel fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	16K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Adams-Croghan association, 0 to 15 percent slopes	16K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Vassalboro-Wonsqueak association	15K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lyman-Tunbridge-Becket complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Adams loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Naumburg-Croghan association, gently sloping	13K	Poorly drained	A/D	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.

Spodosols

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

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 81% 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 94% 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.