Waldo County, Maine
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Waldo County, Maine.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peru fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 38K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brayton fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 32K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 31K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water bodies | 26K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Borosaprists, ponded | 26K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swanville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 25K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boothbay silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rocky | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 80 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlow fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Thorndike-Winnecook complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Boothbay silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlow fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlow fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monarda-Telos complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dixmont very stony silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 87% 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. 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.