Lebanon County, Pennsylvania

Survey Area PA075• 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 Lebanon 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
Hagerstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Duffield silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Berks channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bedington shaly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Holly silt loam	8K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Laidig extremely stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ungers extremely stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes, rubbly	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Clarksburg silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Clarksburg silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Comly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Laidig gravelly loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land-Hagerstown complex	4K			Not limited	Not limited
Weikert channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hagerstown-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Weikert channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	3K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton-Laidig association, moderately steep	3K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Ungers loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Neshaminy extremely stony silt loam, 8 to 25 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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 58% 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 61% 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.