Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Survey Area PA017• Pennsylvania

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.