Dauphin County, Pennsylvania

Survey Area PA043• Pennsylvania

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.

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.

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 84% 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 84% 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.