Sullivan County, New Hampshire
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Sullivan County, New Hampshire.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monadnock-Lyman-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monadnock-Lyman-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyman-Monadnock-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 22K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlow fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Monadnock fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Marlow fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cardigan-Kearsarge-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monadnock-Lyman stony fine sandy loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cardigan-Kearsarge-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monadnock fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lyme-Moosilauke stony loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monadnock-Hermon association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kearsarge-Cardigan-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hermon sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Monadnock-Hermon association, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Monadnock-Hermon association, 15 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlow fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% 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.