Lancaster County, 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 Lancaster 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duffield silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chester silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 42K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 41K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 25K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Glenelg silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Duffield silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Manor very stony silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bedington silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glenelg silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Glenville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ungers extremely stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Letort silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bucks silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Manor silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manor silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bedington silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clarksburg silt loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chester silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown silty clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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
Most soils are generally favorable for residential construction. Standard foundations are usually viable, though site-specific evaluation is always recommended.
Septic Systems
About 45% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.