Potter County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Potter 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macove channery silt loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony | 114K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Varilla-Laidig complex, frigid, 25 to 80 percent slopes, very rubbly | 52K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinzua channery silt loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony | 39K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macove-Gainesboro channery silt loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony | 27K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mongaup-Rockrift complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery loam, frigid, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 21K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery loam, frigid, 15 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 15K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Varilla-Laidig complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes, very rubbly | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willdin channery silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leck Kill channery loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ceres channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, stony | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Willdin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elko channery loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clymer channery loam, frigid, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ceres channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kedron channery silt loam, frigid, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinzua-Madsheep channery silt loams, 25 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rockrift channery silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vly channery loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartleton channery silt loam, frigid, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | 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 90% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.