Orange County, Vermont
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.