Blair 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 Blair County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laidig extremely stony loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hublersburg cherty silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Berks-Weikert channery silt loams, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig extremely stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery sandy loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony | 16K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meckesville very stony silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, rubbly | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leck kill channery silt loam, very steep | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udifluvents-Dystrochrepts complex | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton very stony sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Brinkerton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig extremely stony loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Opequon-Hagerstown-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morrison very stony sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dystrochrepts-Rubble land complex | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hublersburg cherty silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Leck kill channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rubbly | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 78% 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 85% 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.