Adams County, Pennsylvania
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 Adams County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croton silt loam, occasionally ponded, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 18K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lehigh channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Abbottstown silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Highfield channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bowmansville silt loam | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edgemont channery loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penn-Klinesville channery silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Readington silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Highfield and Catoctin channery silt loams, 25 to 70 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Highfield, Catoctin, and Myersville soils, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Highfield channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Neshaminy channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Klinesville channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Abbottstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Readington silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edgemont channery loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watchung silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klinesville channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hatboro silt loam | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very 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, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 90% 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.