Windsor 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 Windsor County, Vermont.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glover-Vershire complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky | 40K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berkshire-Tunbridge complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 37K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vershire-Dummerston complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, rocky | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Becket fine sandy loam association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glover-Vershire complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky | 25K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berkshire-Tunbridge complex, 35 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peru, Skerry, and Colonel soils, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 21K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glover-Vershire complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 19K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tunbridge-Lyman complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 16K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vershire-Dummerston complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vershire-Dummerston complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, rocky | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckland loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berkshire-Tunbridge complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Marlow fine sandy loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckland loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckland loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buckland loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cabot silt loam, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
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.