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Rhode Island Soil Surveys

1 survey areas

Rhode Island has 1 USDA soil survey areas covering a wide range of landscapes and soil conditions. The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols, making up roughly 56% of surveyed soils. Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes account for another 37%.

In terms of drainage, 44% of Rhode Island soils are classified as well drained. About 18% 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

Inceptisols
56% of surveyed soils
Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.
Entisols
37% of surveyed soils
Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.
Histosols
5% of surveyed soils
Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Survey Areas

State of Rhode Island: Bristol, Kent, Newport, Providence, and Washington Counties

Look Up a Specific Address

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