York County, Maine

Survey Area ME031• Maine

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 York 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
Naumburg sand	47K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Brayton and Westbury very stony fine sandy loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes	45K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lyman-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	37K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Adams loamy sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes	36K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Scantic silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	32K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Croghan loamy fine sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes, wooded	31K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hermon sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	26K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Skerry fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	25K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chocorua peat	20K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lyman-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes	19K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Raynham silt loam	19K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Colton gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes	18K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Hermon sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	17K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Water bodies	17K			Not rated	Not rated
Lyman-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 80 percent slopes	16K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Skerry fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	15K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lyman loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rocky	14K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sebago peat	13K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Skerry fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hermon sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	10K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not 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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 96% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.