Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Western Part

Survey Area NH602• New Hampshire

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Western 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
Monadnock fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	38K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Marlow fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	32K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lyman-Tunbridge-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Marlow fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	21K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Monadnock fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	19K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lyman-Tunbridge-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Lyman-Monadnock complex, stony, 8 to 15 perce nt slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lyme fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	8K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Peru fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	8K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Colton gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	7K	Excessively drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Lyman-Monadnock complex, stony, 15 to 25 perc ent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Monadnock fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	7K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Skerry fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	7K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Colton gravelly sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	6K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Monadnock fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely bouldery	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Colton gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes	6K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Marlow fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Borohemists, ponded	5K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pillsbury fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	5K	Poorly drained	D	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.

Spodosols

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

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 62% 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 86% 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.