Northampton County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Northampton County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berks-Weikert complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Duffield complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Washington silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udorthents, limestone complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited | ||
| Comly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Washington silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Urban land, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Berks-Weikert complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allenwood silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Berks complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very bouldery | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Gladstone gravelly loam, 25 to 55 percent slopes, very bouldery | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swartswood gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Holly silt loam | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, limestone, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Conotton gravelly loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 43% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 68% 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.