Rutland County, Vermont

Survey Area VT021• 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 Rutland 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
Taconic-Hubbardton-Macomber complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes, very rocky	40K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Taconic-Macomber complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky	25K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Berkshire complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	24K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Peru-Marlow association, hilly, very stony	20K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Macomber-Taconic complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes, rocky	18K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Tunbridge-Berkshire-Marlow association, 8 to 45 percent slopes, very stony	18K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Macomber-Taconic complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, rocky	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Taconic-Hubbardton complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky	15K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Macomber-Taconic complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky	14K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Farmington-Galway-Galoo complex, 5 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky	12K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rawsonville-Houghtonville association, hilly, rocky	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	10K			Not rated	Not rated
Tunbridge-Berkshire complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very stony	10K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lyman-Tunbridge-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Farmington-Galway-Galoo complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes, very rocky	9K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rawsonville-Killington association, very hilly, very rocky	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sunapee fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	9K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Peru fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	8K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Kingsbury silty clay loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Rawsonville-Houghtonville complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rocky	7K	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.

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 96% 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 96% 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.