Carroll County Area, New Hampshire
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Carroll County Area, New Hampshire.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 39K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Lyman-Berkshire-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Henniker-Gloucester fine sandy loams, cool, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Monadnock and Berkshire soils, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Metacomet fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Becket fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pillsbury fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Becket fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Naumburg loamy sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monadnock and Berkshire soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colton gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Henniker fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Limerick silt loam, cool, sandy substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Becket fine sandy loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlow fine sandy loam association, steep, very stony | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Berkshire complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucksport muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodstock-Bice fine sandy loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chocorua mucky peat, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 56% 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. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 77% 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.