Chittenden County, Vermont

Survey Area VT007• Vermont

The dominant drainage class is Somewhat excessively 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 Chittenden 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
Water	53K			Not rated	Not rated
Lyman-Marlow complex, 5 to 30 percent slopes, very rocky	39K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lyman-Marlow complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky	38K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Peru fine sandy loam, 0 to 20 percent slopes, very stony	23K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Adams and Windsor loamy sands, 0 to 5 percent slopes	16K	Excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Vergennes clay, 2 to 6 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Peru fine sandy loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes, very stony	13K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabot silt loam, 3 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	11K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Covington silty clay	10K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Farmington extremely rocky loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Farmington extremely rocky loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Marlow fine sandy loam, 20 to 60 percent slopes, very stony	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Munson and Raynham silt loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rock land	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Limerick silt loam	6K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Marlow fine sandy loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes, very stony	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Peru fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Area not surveyed, access denied	5K			Not rated	Not rated
Adams and Windsor loamy sands, 30 to 60 percent slopes	4K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Muck and Peat	4K	Very poorly drained	A/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.

Inceptisols

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

Spodosols

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

Entisols

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

Alfisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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, sandy or gravelly soils with low bearing capacity. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. The well-drained soils may actually drain too fast for standard leach fields, allowing effluent to reach groundwater. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Soils tend to drain very quickly, meaning nutrients and water don't stick around long. Raised beds with amended soil, drip irrigation, and heavy mulching will give the best results. Compost is your best friend here — it improves water retention dramatically.