Bedford 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 Bedford County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dystrocrepts-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klinesville and Calvin soils, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert channery silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton-Clymer association, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan cobbly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 18K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan cobbly loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 16K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton-Clymer association, 25 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony | 14K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bedington-Berks complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meckesville gravelly loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blairton channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig cobbly loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meckesville gravelly loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hublersburg cherty silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Opequon-Hagerstown silty clay loams, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.