Columbia County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Columbia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hartleton channery silt loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert channery silt loam, 35 to 80 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert channery silt loam, 20 to 35 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leck kill channery silt loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb very stony loam, 12 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartleton channery silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leck kill channery silt loam, deep, 3 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 11K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery loam, 35 to 100 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert channery silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert channery silt loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watson silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leck kill very stony silt loam, deep, 12 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb very stony loam, 0 to 12 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klinesville shaly silt loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelmadine silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leck kill channery silt loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leck kill very stony silt loam, deep, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Albrights gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very 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 91% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.