Windham 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 Windham County, Vermont.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rawsonville-Hogback fine sandy loams, 25 to 50 percent slopes, rocky | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Worden loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very bouldery | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghtonville-Rawsonville fine sandy loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very bouldery | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mundal fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 20K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rawsonville-Hogback fine sandy loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, rocky | 19K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Houghtonville-Rawsonville fine sandy loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very bouldery | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Worden loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very bouldery | 17K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rawsonville-Hogback fine sandy loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 12K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mundal fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilmington sandy loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marlow fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Houghtonville-Rawsonville fine sandy loams, 25 to 50 percent slopes, very bouldery | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macomber-Taconic complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Houghtonville fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Berkshire-Tunbridge complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Houghtonville fine sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
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. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 88% 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.