New Hampshire Soil Surveys
New Hampshire has 11 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 44% of surveyed soils. Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols account for another 39%.
In terms of drainage, 55% of New Hampshire soils are classified as well drained. 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
44% of surveyed soils
Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.
Inceptisols
39% of surveyed soils
Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.
Entisols
12% of surveyed soils
Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.
Histosols
3% of surveyed soils
Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.
Survey Areas
Carroll County Area, New HampshireCheshire County, New HampshireCoos County Area, New HampshireGrafton County, New HampshireHillsborough County, New Hampshire, Eastern PartHillsborough County, New Hampshire, Western PartMerrimack and Belknap Counties, New HampshireRockingham County, New HampshireStrafford County, New HampshireSullivan County, New HampshireWhite Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire and Maine