Crawford 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 Crawford County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venango silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 137K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cambridge silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 53K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frenchtown silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 50K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mill silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 33K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cambridge silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 32K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holly silt loam | 32K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Venango silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 29K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Red Hook loam | 24K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frenchtown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 22K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water, census and small | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Alden silt loam | 16K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holly silty clay loam | 15K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valois soils, very steep | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Platea silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cambridge silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Venango silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carlisle muck | 9K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Halsey silt loam | 9K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Valois-Cambridge complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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 96% 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.