Windsor County, Vermont

Survey Area VT027• Vermont

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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. 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Entisols

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

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.