Maine Soil Surveys

20 survey areas

Maine has 20 USDA soil survey areas covering a wide range of landscapes and soil conditions. The most common soil order is Spodosols — acidic forest soils with a distinctive leached layer, common under conifers, making up roughly 70% of surveyed soils. Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols account for another 20%.

In terms of drainage, 21% of Maine soils are classified as poorly drained. About 41% 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

Spodosols

70% of surveyed soils

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

Inceptisols

20% of surveyed soils

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

Histosols

4% of surveyed soils

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

Entisols

4% of surveyed soils

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

Maine Soil Surveys

Soil Types

Survey Areas

Look Up a Specific Address