Pike County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Pike 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wurtsboro stony fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 41K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swartswood stony fine sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 30K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oquaga-Arnot-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 60 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wurtsboro stony fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsboro stony loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Edgemere-Shohola complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very rubbly | 13K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown-Swartswood complex, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swartswood stony fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Freetown mucky peat | 11K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oquaga very stony loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edgemere extremely stony loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, very rubbly | 9K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsboro stony loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oquaga very stony loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown-Swartswood complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morris very channery loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manlius-Arnot-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 80 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lackawanna channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oquaga very stony loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown very channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 94% 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.