Orange County, Vermont

Survey Area VT017• Vermont

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Orange 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
Tunbridge-Woodstock very rocky fine sandy loams, 8 to 25 percent slopes	61K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Woodstock complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes	52K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Buckland loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very stony	49K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabot silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	38K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Colrain very stony fine sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes	36K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Vershire-Glover-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes	25K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Colrain very stony fine sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Buckland loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pomfret very stony loamy fine sand, 8 to 25 percent slopes	11K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Buckland loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pomfret soils, 25 to 50 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Cabot silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes	6K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vershire-Glover complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Buckland loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes, very stony	6K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Colrain stony fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Colrain stony fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Vershire-Glover rocky loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Woodstock rocky fine sandy loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Colrain extremely stony fine sandy loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Woodstock rocky fine sandy loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	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 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 100% 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.