Lebanon 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 Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.
| 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 |
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.