Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Eastern Part

Survey Area NH601• New Hampshire

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Eastern Part. 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
Canton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	39K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Canton fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	13K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Chatfield-Hollis-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Chatfield-Hollis complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Windsor-Urban land complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Windsor loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Chatfield-Hollis-Canton complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Canton fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Windsor loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Water (less than 40 acres)	7K			Not rated	Not rated
Hinckley loamy sand, 8 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hinckley loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	6K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Canton-Urban land complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pipestone loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Canton fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Canton very stony fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Paxton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Scituate stony fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hinckley loamy sand, 15 to 35 percent slopes	4K	Excessively drained	A	Very 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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

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

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 36% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 96% 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.