Mercer County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly 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 Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravenna silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 124K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frenchtown silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 55K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canfield silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 35K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ravenna silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 30K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wayland silt loam, coarse variant | 21K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canfield silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frenchtown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Halsey silt loam | 14K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Braceville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Red Hook silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Frenchtown and Luray silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ravenna silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Papakating silt loam | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Canfield silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chenango gravelly loam, moderately eroded, rolling | 3K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fairpoint channery silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include 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. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.