Maryland Soil Surveys

25 survey areas

Maryland has 25 USDA soil survey areas covering a wide range of landscapes and soil conditions. The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates, making up roughly 56% of surveyed soils. Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil account for another 17%.

In terms of drainage, 53% of Maryland soils are classified as well drained. About 23% of soils have some form of poor drainage, which is important to consider for septic systems and foundations. Drainage class affects everything from septic system design to basement feasibility to garden planning. Use the survey area pages below to see drainage details for specific counties, or look up any address for an exact soil profile.

Soil Types

Ultisols

56% of surveyed soils

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

17% of surveyed soils

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

Inceptisols

13% of surveyed soils

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

Entisols

10% of surveyed soils

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

Histosols

1% of surveyed soils

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Maryland Soil Surveys

Soil Types

Survey Areas

Look Up a Specific Address