Coos 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 Coos County Area, New Hampshire.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tunbridge-Plaisted association, moderately steep, very stony | 38K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Howland-Cabot association, gently sloping, very stony | 32K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Pillsbury association, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 26K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman-Marlow association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabot-Howland association, gently sloping, very stony | 23K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Marlow-Peru association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saddleback-Glebe-Ricker association, steep, very stony | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Plaisted association, gently sloping, very stony | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pillsbury fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 18K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Howland-Plaisted association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pillsbury-Peacham-Peru association, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glebe-Saddleback-Sisk association, moderately steep, very stony | 14K | Well drained | C | 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 |
| Tunbridge-Plaisted-Lyman complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Plaisted-Lyman complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bucksport muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabot silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru-Marlow association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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 94% 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.