Butler County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Butler County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atkins silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 26K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Wharton complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Wharton silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wharton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton and Gilpin soils, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton and Gilpin soils, 25 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cavode silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brinkerton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Weikert channery silt loams, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cavode silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, acid material, moderately steep | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Weikert channery silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, acid material, very steep | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% 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 100% 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.