Merrimack and Belknap Counties, New Hampshire

Survey Area NH609• New Hampshire

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Merrimack and Belknap Counties, New Hampshire. 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
Water	58K			Not rated	Not rated
Tunbridge-Lyman-Becket complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	57K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Lyman-Becket complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	56K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Millsite-Woodstock-Henniker complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	45K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Pillsbury fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	29K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Millsite-Woodstock-Henniker complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	25K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Lyman-Becket complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, very stony	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Chatfield-Montauk-Hollis complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky	23K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Millsite-Woodstock-Henniker complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	19K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Metacomet fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	18K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Moosilauke fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	17K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chocorua mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes	16K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Croghan loamy fine sand, 0 to 8 percent slopes, wooded	16K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Skerry fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	14K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Skerry fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	14K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chatfield-Montauk-Hollis complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky	14K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lyman-Tunbridge-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes	13K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Metacomet fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	12K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Lyman-Becket complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Champlain loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not 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.

Spodosols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 86% 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 88% 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.