Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
The most common soil here is Calvin, on about 12% of the land: a channery loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Laidig and Berks come next.
About 83% of the land drains well, and 4% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 7% of it.
USDA rates 83% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 77% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 5% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 57% 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 Dauphin 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 Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Dauphin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calvin-Leck Kill shaly silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 39K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb and Lehew very stony sandy loams, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig very stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks shaly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Dekalb and Lehew very stony sandy loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin-Leck Kill shaly silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dekalb and Lehew very stony sandy loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bedington shaly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Atkins silt loam | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penn channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klinesville shaly silt loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin very stony silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin-Klinesville shaly silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land, alluvial materials | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Calvin-Klinesville shaly silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert shaly silt loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Very stony land, steep | 4K | Excessively drained | 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 77% 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 83% 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.