Berks County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Berks County, Pennsylvania. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berks-Weikert complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duffield silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig very gravelly loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very bouldery | 20K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Joanna loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Berks complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton very channery loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony | 14K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Urban land-Duffield complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Berks-Weikert complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penn channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Joanna loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Brinkerton-Comly silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holly silt loam | 10K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duffield-Ryder silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Joanna loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
Soil Orders in This Area
The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% 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 73% 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.