Somerset County, Maine, Southern Part
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Somerset County, Maine, Southern Part.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monarda silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very stony | 100K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dixmont very stony silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 59K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scantic silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berkshire fine sandy loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes, very stony | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Walpole fine sandy loam | 26K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leicester very stony loam | 26K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 23K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Adams loamy sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Thorndike silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lamoine-Buxton complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Thorndike-Bangor silt loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Plaisted loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 18K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dixmont silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berkshire fine sandy loam, 20 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bangor silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Peat and Muck | 14K | Very poorly drained | A/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 |
| Dixmont very stony silt loam, 8 to 20 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berkshire fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 77% 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 84% 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.