Montour County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Well 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 Montour County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weikert and Klinesville shaly silt loams, steep | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watson silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alvira silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartleton channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Weikert channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holly silt loam, rarely flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alvira silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watson silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartleton channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartleton channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Evendale cherty silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelmadine silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Washington silt loam, wet substratum, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monongahela silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 1K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 1K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% 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 95% 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.