Addison County, Vermont

Survey Area VT001• Vermont

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 Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers. 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 Addison County, Vermont. 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
Vergennes clay, 2 to 6 percent slopes	77K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berkshire and Marlow soils, 20 to 50 percent slopes, very stony	55K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Covington and Panton silty clays	40K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lyman-Berkshire complex, 20 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky	39K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berkshire and Marlow soils, 3 to 20 percent slopes, very stony	36K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Water	25K			Not rated	Not rated
Vergennes clay, 12 to 25 percent slopes	20K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock land	19K			Not rated	Not rated
Vergennes clay, 6 to 12 percent slopes	18K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Muck and Peat	14K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Peru fine sandy loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes, very stony	14K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Farmington extremely rocky silt loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Farmington extremely rocky silt loam, 20 to 50 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabot silt loam, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	10K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Peru fine sandy loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes, very stony	8K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Swanton fine sandy loam	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Livingston clay	6K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Vergennes clay, 25 to 50 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Covington silty clay, flooded	4K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berkshire and Marlow soils, 3 to 12 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat 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.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 80% 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 80% 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.