Merrimack and Belknap Counties, 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 Merrimack and Belknap Counties, New Hampshire.
| 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 |
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.