Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oquaga and Lordstown channery silt loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes, rubbly | 50K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oquaga and Lordstown channery silt loams, steep, rubbly | 47K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsboro channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 31K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Strip mine | 25K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Oquaga and Lordstown channery silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rubbly | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lackawanna channery silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsboro channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arnot-Rock outcrop complex, steep | 17K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morris channery silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsboro channery silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oquaga and Lordstown channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 12K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Oquaga and Lordstown channery silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lackawanna channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arnot-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsboro channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pocono extremely stony sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pope soils | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Chippewa silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Not 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. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 93% 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.