Penobscot County, Maine

Survey Area ME614• Maine

The dominant drainage class is Poorly 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 Penobscot 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
Monarda-Burnham complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony	221K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Plaisted loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	178K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water bodies	108K			Not rated	Not rated
Howland loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	107K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Monarda-Burnham complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony	49K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dixmont very stony silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	48K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Peat and Muck	43K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hermon sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony	39K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Biddeford mucky peat, 0 to 3 percent slopes	37K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Thorndike-Winnecook complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky	36K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Thorndike-Winnecook complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rocky	34K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Thorndike association, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	32K	Excessively drained		Very limited	Very limited
Plaisted loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes, very stony	27K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Howland silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	27K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bangor very stony silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Biddeford-Scantic-Lamoine complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	24K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Canaan extremely rocky sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Thorndike channery silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky	18K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Thorndike-Winnecook complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky	17K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Canaan extremely rocky sandy loam, 5 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Somewhat excessively drained	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.

Inceptisols

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

Histosols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 68% 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 87% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.