Lawrence County, Pennsylvania

Survey Area PA073• 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 Lawrence 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
Ravenna silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	34K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Canfield silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	30K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Canfield silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	20K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ravenna silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Holly silt loam	9K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ravenna silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Frenchtown silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Loudonville gravelly silt loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fairpoint channery silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Not limited	Very limited
Chili silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Fairpoint channery silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Weikert channery silt loams, 25 to 70 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Canfield silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Conotton gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Urban land-Arents complex	4K			Not rated	Not rated
Lobdell silt loam	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Bethesda channery silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Conotton gravelly loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Frenchtown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	3K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bethesda and Fairpoint channery silt loams, 25 to 70 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	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 88% 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.