Lancaster County, 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 Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
| 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 |
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.