Strafford County, New Hampshire
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Strafford County, New Hampshire.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gloucester extremely stony fine sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gloucester very stony fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Charlton very rocky fine sandy loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gloucester very stony fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hinckley loamy sand, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Buxton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Scantic silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Gloucester extremely rocky fine sandy loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freetown and Swansea mucky peats, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Saugatuck loamy sand | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leicester-Ridgebury fine sandy loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Charlton very rocky fine sandy loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Acton very stony fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Charlton fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Windsor loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Gloucester extremely rocky fine sandy loams, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hollis-Charlton extremely rocky fine sandy loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Hollis-Charlton fine sandy loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 64% 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 91% 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.