Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.