Bucks County, Pennsylvania
The most common soil here is Abbottstown, on about 8% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Reaville and Penn come next.
About 27% of the land drains well, and 36% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 45% of it.
USDA rates 72% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 63% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 6% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 16% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 63% 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 72% 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.