Franklin County, Vermont

Survey Area VT011• 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 Franklin 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
Woodstock-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes	45K			Very limited	Very limited
Woodstock-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	37K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	35K			Not rated	Not rated
Cabot silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	25K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Peru fine sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	22K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Woodstock-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	21K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Peru fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	11K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Massena stony loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Woodstock fine sandy loams, very rocky, 8 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Peru fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Munson silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Westbury stony fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Scantic silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Peru fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Carlisle muck	6K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Stowe stony soils, 25 to 60 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rumney variant silt loam	6K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Limerick silt loam	6K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Binghamville silt loam	6K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Farmington-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 60 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively 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.

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 88% 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 88% 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.