Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

Survey Area PA091• Pennsylvania

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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. 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
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

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.

Alfisols

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

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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.