Wayne County, Pennsylvania
The most common soil here is Wellsboro, on about 19% of the land: a channery silt loam, smooth, like flour. Morris and Oquaga come next.
About 33% of the land drains well, and 30% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 62% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 95% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 31% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Wayne 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morris channery loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rubbly | 40K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oquaga channery loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, rubbly | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsboro channery loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, rubbly | 32K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oquaga and Lordstown channery loams, 25 to 70 percent slopes, rubbly | 28K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsboro channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 24K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Volusia channery silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, rubbly | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morris channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsboro channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wellsboro channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rubbly | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lordstown channery loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, rubbly | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 16K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Mardin extremely stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin extremely stony loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arnot channery loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oquaga channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rubbly | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norwich and Chippewa channery silt loams, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rubbly | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Morris channery loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rubbly | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Arnot channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very rocky | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Holly silt loam | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mardin channery loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 95% 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 96% 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.