Piscataquis County, Maine, Southern Part
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat 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 Piscataquis 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colonel-Brayton-Peru association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 65K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plaisted-Howland-Penquis association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 51K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Howland-Monarda association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 47K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Telos complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 36K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water bodies | 31K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Bucksport and Wonsqueak mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 29K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Colonel-Lyman association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 29K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Telos-Monarda-Monson association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Telos-Chesuncook-Elliottsville association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 28K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Burnham complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony | 27K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Danforth-Masardis-Peacham association, 0 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 26K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Monson-Elliottsville-Knob Lock complex, 8 to 30 percent slopes, very rocky | 26K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Colonel association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 21K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Howland-Thorndike complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 21K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Telos-Chesuncook association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Danforth channery silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 14K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Thorndike-Penquis complex, 3 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brayton-Peacham association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 13K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boothbay-Swanville association, gently sloping | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colonel-Brayton-Lyman complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Somewhat poorly 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% 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. 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.