Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dekalb and Lehew extremely stony soils, steep | 67K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, strip mine | 39K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert and Klinesville shaly silt loams, steep | 31K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rubbly | 20K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leck kill channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Leck kill channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton-Clymer association, sloping | 17K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton-Clymer association, gently sloping | 16K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Calvin shaly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig extremely stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meckesville loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, rubbly | 14K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meckesville very stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan channery loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, rubbly | 11K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Udults complex | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Calvin shaly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kedron silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atkins silt loam | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. 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.