Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban land-Udorthents, shale and sandstone complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 25K | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | ||
| Readington silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Reaville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land-Penn complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Bowmansville-Knauers silt loams | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents, schist and gneiss complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | ||
| Urban land-Udorthents, shale and sandstone complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Abbottstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penn silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Readington complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Lehigh silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents, schist and gneiss complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Croton silt loam, occasionally ponded, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Gladstone complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Rowland silt loam, terrace | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penn silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Lawrenceville complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | ||
| Neshaminy gravelly silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Readington silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately 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 steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 58% 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.