Bucks County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbottstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bowmansville-Knauers silt loams | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reaville channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Matapeake complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | ||
| Urban land-Abbottstown complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Towhee silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 10K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Readington silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croton silt loam, occasionally ponded, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Abbottstown silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Lawrenceville complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | ||
| Urban land-Chester complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | ||
| Urban land-Lansdale complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | ||
| Neshaminy gravelly silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mount Lucas silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Croton silt loam, occasionally ponded, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckingham silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Duffield complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Lansdale loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 60% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.