Union 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 Union County, Pennsylvania.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laidig and Meckesville extremely stony soils, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edom complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dekalb very channery sandy loam, 25 to 80 percent slopes, rubbly | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edom complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hazleton and Clymer extremely stony sandy loams, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert and Klinesville shaly silt loams, steep | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig and Meckesville extremely stony soils, steep | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dystrochrepts, bouldery | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Allenwood and Washington soils, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Buchanan channery loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holly silt loam | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ungers very stony loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan channery loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton and Clymer extremely stony sandy loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edom complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ungers very stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin-Klinesville shaly silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton and Clymer extremely stony sandy loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% 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 71% 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.