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Vermont Soil Surveys

14 survey areas

Vermont has 14 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 41%.

In terms of drainage, 45% of Vermont 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

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
41% of surveyed soils
Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.
Entisols
9% of surveyed soils
Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.
Histosols
2% of surveyed soils
Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.
Alfisols
2% of surveyed soils
Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Survey Areas

Addison County, VermontBennington County, VermontCaledonia County, VermontChittenden County, VermontEssex County, VermontFranklin County, VermontGrand Isle County, VermontLamoille County, VermontOrange County, VermontOrleans County, VermontRutland County, VermontWashington County, VermontWindham County, VermontWindsor County, Vermont

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