Perry 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 Perry County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hazleton channery sandy loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes, rubbly | 42K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert and Klinesville very shaly silt loams, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig very stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, rubbly | 20K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin shaly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin shaly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert very channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rubbly | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliber very cherty silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan channery loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albrights silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dystrochrepts, bouldery | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin-Berks shaly silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan channery loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Klinesville very shaly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meckesville very stony silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.