Venango County, Pennsylvania

Survey Area PA121• Pennsylvania

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Venango 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
Hazleton and Gilpin soils, 25 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony	49K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hanover silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	28K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cookport loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	28K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cookport loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	27K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hanover silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony	27K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cookport loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	25K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alvira silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	23K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cavode silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	20K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hanover silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	16K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hanover silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony	12K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Canfield gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Canfield gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hazleton and Gilpin soils, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cookport loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wharton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Atkins silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Canfield gravelly silt loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony	7K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Philo silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	7K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	7K			Not rated	Not rated
Alvira and Ravenna silt loams, 0 to 8 percent slopes, extremely stony	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 98% 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.