Fayette County, Pennsylvania

Survey Area PA051• Pennsylvania

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Fayette 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
Macove-Gilpin channery silt loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony	28K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Buchanan loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony	15K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dormont-Culleoka complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	15K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Weikert channery silt loams, 25 to 70 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Guernsey silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dormont silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	D	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dormont-Culleoka complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Clarksburg silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Meckesville channery silt loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wharton silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wharton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clarksburg silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ernest silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Gilpin channery silt loams, 25 to 75 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Culleoka channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ernest silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton-Clymer complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony	9K	Well drained	A	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.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. 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.