Orleans County, Vermont

Survey Area VT019• Vermont

The dominant drainage class is 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 Orleans 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
Cabot silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony	53K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky	21K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cabot silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	19K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cabot silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	17K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vershire-Glover complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	17K			Not rated	Not rated
Tunbridge-Peru complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Peru complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	15K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Colonel-Cabot complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	13K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Peru fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	12K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Peru fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	12K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky	12K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Vershire-Glover complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hogback-Rawsonville complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vershire-Lombard complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wonsqueak and Pondicherry mucks, 0 to 2 percent slopes	10K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Buckland loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Buckland loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	8K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vershire-Glover complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky	8K	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.

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.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 94% 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 94% 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.