Northumberland County, Pennsylvania

Survey Area PA097• Pennsylvania

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Northumberland 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
Weikert and Klinesville shaly silt loams, steep	34K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Laidig and Meckesville extremely stony soils, 8 to 25 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents, sandstone and shale	14K			Not rated	Not rated
Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	12K			Not rated	Not rated
Hartleton channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dekalb very channery sandy loam, 25 to 80 percent slopes, rubbly	10K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton and Clymer extremely stony sandy loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Weikert channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berks channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Calvin-Klinesville shaly silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Weikert channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berks channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Watson silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton and Clymer extremely stony sandy loams, 25 to 80 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hartleton channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Alvira silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Meckesville silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Calvin-Klinesville shaly silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Weikert channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	4K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

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

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 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 86% 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.