Penobscot County, Maine, Southern Part
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, Southern Part. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scantic-Biddeford complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 51K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chesuncook-Elliottsville-Telos association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 38K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucksport and Wonsqueak mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes, ponded | 36K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Telos complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 34K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Telos-Chesuncook-Ragmuff association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 34K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Colonel-Tunbridge association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 29K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 27K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Telos-Chesuncook complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Burnham complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony | 22K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brayton-Colonel complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 22K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colonel-Peru-Brayton complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pushaw-Swanville complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliottsville-Monson complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Monson-Telos association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 18K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Medomak-Wonsqueak-Swanville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 17K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scantic-Lamoine-Colonel association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 16K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pushaw-Swanville complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sebago and Moosabec soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, ponded | 12K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brayton-Peacham complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, extremely stony | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliottsville-Chesuncook association, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | 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 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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.