Juniata and Mifflin Counties, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Juniata and Mifflin Counties, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazleton-Dekalb association, steep | 85K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig extremely stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert association, steep | 36K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert channery silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton-Dekalb complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, rubbly | 17K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rubbly | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rubble land | 12K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Brinkerton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Andover extremely stony loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mertz cherty silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Morrison gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Laidig extremely stony loam, steep | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atkins silt loam | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton-Dekalb complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rubbly | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Opequon-Hagerstown complex, steep | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morrison gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% 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 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.