Cheshire County, 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 Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tunbridge-Lyman-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Tunbridge-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 28K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlow fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlow fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tunbridge-Berkshire complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tunbridge-Berkshire complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kearsarge-Cardigan-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berkshire fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Monadnock fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Berkshire fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cardigan-Kearsarge-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyme and Moosilauke soils, 0 to 5 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monadnock fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monadnock and Berkshire soils, 25 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cardigan-Kearsarge complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cardigan-Kearsarge complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Greenwood mucky peat | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sunapee fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 81% 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 85% 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.