Essex County Soil Survey Report - Southern Part - Non-technical Map Unit Descriptions
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
An on-site investigation is necessary to determine suitability and limitations.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
PITS require an on-site investigation to determine suitability or limitation for intended uses.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The map unit is in capability subclass 8S which has very severe limitations that make them unsuited to cultivation and that restrict their
use to grazing.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
QUARRIES require an on-site investigation to determine suitability or limitation for intended uses.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
This map unit has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of poor filtration. There is slight limitation for local
roads and streets. For dwellings with basement there is slight limitation. and for small commercial buildings, there is slight limitation.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
An on-site investigation is necessary to determine suitability and limitations.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
In URBAN areas, an on-site investigation is needed to determine suitability or limitation for intended uses.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
An on-site investigation is necessary to determine suitability and limitations.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
BEACHES require an on-site investigation to determine suitability or limitation for intended uses.
Map Unit: 616A - FLUVAQUENTS, FREQUENTLY FLOODED, 0 TO 3 PERCENT SLOPES
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The map unit is in capability subclass 6W indicating severe limitations that make the soil generally unsuited to cultivation and limit its
use largely to pasture. Water in or on the soil interferes with plant growth or cultivation.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The map unit is poorly drained; water is removed so slowly that the soil is saturated or remains wet for long periods. Agronomic capability
class is 6W.
Map Unit: 620B - BOXFORD-URBAN LAND COMPLEX, GENTLY SLOPING
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
URBAN LAND An on-site investigation is necessary to determine suitability and limitations.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The BOXFORD component is in capability subclass 2E indicating limitations that reduce the choice of plants or require moderate
conservation practices. Erosion is a limitation unless close growing plant cover is maintained.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
In URBAN areas, an on-site investigation is needed to determine suitability or limitation for intended uses.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The BOXFORD component is moderately well drained; water is removed somewhat slowly during some periods. Agronomic capability
class is 2E. Depth to bedrock is greater than 60 inches. A seasonal high water table is normally between 1.0 and 3.0 feet below the
surface from NOV through APR.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
BOXFORD has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of wetness and slow percolation. There is severe
limitation for local roads and streets due to low strength and frost action. For dwellings with basement, there is severe limitation because
of wetness and for small commercial buildings, there is severe limitation due to wetness.
Map Unit: 622C - PAXTON-URBAN LAND COMPLEX, SLOPING
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
URBAN LAND An on-site investigation is necessary to determine suitability and limitations.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The PAXTON component is in capability subclass 3E indicating severe limitations that reduce the choice of plants or require special
conservation practices, or both. Erosion is a limitation unless close growing plant cover is maintained.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
In URBAN areas, an on-site investigation is needed to determine suitability or limitation for intended uses.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The PAXTON component is well drained; water is removed readily, but not rapidly. Agronomic capability class is 3E. Depth to bedrock is
greater than 60 inches. A firm layer at about 23 inches impedes the vertical movement of water. A seasonal high water table is normally
between 1.5 and 2.5 feet below the surface from FEB through APR.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
PAXTON has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of slow percolation. There is moderate limitation for
local roads and streets due to wetness, slope and frost action. For dwellings with basement, there is moderate limitation because of
wetness and slope and for small commercial buildings, there is severe limitation due to slope.
Map Unit: 626B - MERRIMAC-URBAN LAND COMPLEX, GENTLY SLOPING
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The MERRIMAC component is in capability subclass 2S indicating limitations that reduce the choice of plants or require moderate
conservation practices. Droughtiness is a limitation.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
URBAN LAND An on-site investigation is necessary to determine suitability and limitations.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The MERRIMAC component is somewhat excessively drained; water is removed rapidly. Agronomic capability class is 2S. Depth to
bedrock is greater than 60 inches. The water table is normally more than 6.0 feet below the surface.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
In URBAN areas, an on-site investigation is needed to determine suitability or limitation for intended uses.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
MERRIMAC has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of poor filtration. There is slight limitation for local
roads and streets. For dwellings with basement there is slight limitation. and for small commercial buildings, there is moderate limitation
Map Unit: 628C - CANTON-URBAN LAND COMPLEX, SLOPING
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The CANTON component is in capability subclass 3E indicating severe limitations that reduce the choice of plants or require special
conservation practices, or both. Erosion is a limitation unless close growing plant cover is maintained.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
URBAN LAND An on-site investigation is necessary to determine suitability and limitations.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The CANTON component is well drained; water is removed readily, but not rapidly. Agronomic capability class is 3E. Depth to bedrock is
greater than 60 inches. The water table is normally more than 6.0 feet below the surface.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
In URBAN areas, an on-site investigation is needed to determine suitability or limitation for intended uses.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
CANTON has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of poor filtration. There is moderate limitation for local
roads and streets due to slope. For dwellings with basement, there is moderate limitation because of slope and for small commercial
buildings, there is severe limitation due to slope.
Map Unit: 651 - UDORTHENTS, SMOOTHED
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
An on-site investigation is necessary to determine suitability and limitations.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
UDORTHENTS require an on-site investigation to determine suitability or limitation for intended uses.
Map Unit: 652 - UDORTHENTS, REFUSE SUBSTRATUM
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
An on-site investigation is necessary to determine suitability and limitations.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
DUMPS require an on-site investigation to determine suitability or limitation for intended uses.
Map Unit: 702C - UDIPSAMMENTS, ROLLING
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
An on-site investigation is necessary to determine suitability and limitations.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
UDIPSAMMENTS require an on-site investigation to determine suitability or limitation for intended uses.
Map Unit: 712A - IPSWICH AND WESTBROOK MUCKY PEATS, 0 TO 1 PERCENT SLOPES
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The WESTBROOK component is in capability subclass 8W which has very severe limitations that make them unsuited to cultivation and
that restrict their use to grazing. Water in or on the soil interferes with plant growth or cultivation.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The IPSWICH component is in capability subclass 8W which has very severe limitations that make them unsuited to cultivation and that
restrict their use to grazing. Water in or on the soil interferes with plant growth or cultivation.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The WESTBROOK component is very poorly drained; water is removed from the soil so slowly that free water remains near the surface.
Agronomic capability class is 8W. Depth to bedrock is greater than 60 inches.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The IPSWICH component is very poorly drained; water is removed from the soil so slowly that free water remains near the surface.
Agronomic capability class is 8W. Depth to bedrock is greater than 60 inches.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
IPSWICH has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of flooding and ponding. There is severe limitation for
local roads and streets due to low strength, ponding and flooding. For dwellings with basement, there is severe limitation because of
flooding, ponding and low strength and for small commercial buildings, there is severe limitation due to flooding, ponding and low
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
WESTBROOK has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of flooding and ponding. There is severe limitation
for local roads and streets due to ponding and flooding. For dwellings with basement, there is severe limitation because of flooding and
ponding and for small commercial buildings, there is severe limitation due to flooding, ponding and low strength.
Map Unit: 714A - MELROSE FINE SANDY LOAM, 0 TO 3 PERCENT SLOPES
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The map unit is in capability subclass 1 indicating few limitations that restrict agronomic use.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The map unit is well drained; water is removed readily, but not rapidly. Agronomic capability class is 1. Depth to bedrock is greater than
60 inches. The water table is normally more than 6.0 feet below the surface.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
This map unit has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of slow percolation. There is severe limitation for
local roads and streets due to low strength. For dwellings with basement, there is moderate limitation because of shrink-swell and for
small commercial buildings, there is moderate limitation due to shrink-swell.
Map Unit: 714B - MELROSE FINE SANDY LOAM, 3 TO 8 PERCENT SLOPES
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The map unit is in capability subclass 2E indicating limitations that reduce the choice of plants or require moderate conservation
practices. Erosion is a limitation unless close growing plant cover is maintained.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The map unit is well drained; water is removed readily, but not rapidly. Agronomic capability class is 2E. Depth to bedrock is greater than
60 inches. The water table is normally more than 6.0 feet below the surface.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
This map unit has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of slow percolation. There is severe limitation for
local roads and streets due to low strength. For dwellings with basement, there is moderate limitation because of shrink-swell and for
small commercial buildings, there is moderate limitation due to shrink-swell and slope.
Map Unit: 720A - WHATELY VARIANT MUCKY FINE SANDY LOAM, 0 TO 1 PERCENT SLOPES
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The map unit is in capability subclass 6W indicating severe limitations that make the soil generally unsuited to cultivation and limit its
use largely to pasture. Water in or on the soil interferes with plant growth or cultivation.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The map unit is very poorly drained; water is removed from the soil so slowly that free water remains near the surface. Agronomic
capability class is 6W. Depth to bedrock is greater than 60 inches. A seasonal high water table is normally between 0 and 1.0 feet below
the surface from NOV through JUN.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
This map unit has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of wetness and slow percolation. There is severe
limitation for local roads and streets due to wetness and frost action. For dwellings with basement, there is severe limitation because of
wetness and for small commercial buildings, there is severe limitation due to wetness.
Map Unit: 722B - ANNISQUAM FINE SANDY LOAM, 3 TO 8 PERCENT SLOPES, EXTREMELY BOULDERY
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The map unit is in capability subclass 7S which has very severe limitations that make the soil unsuited to cultivation and that restricts its
use to grazing. Boulders are a significant limitation.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The map unit is well drained; water is removed readily, but not rapidly. Surface boulders limit cultivation or use of equipment. Agronomic
capability class is 7S. Depth to bedrock is greater than 60 inches. A firm layer at about 28 inches impedes the vertical movement of
water. A seasonal high water table is normally between 1.5 and 2.5 feet below the surface from JAN through APR.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
This map unit has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of slow percolation. There is severe limitation for
local roads and streets due to large stones. For dwellings with basement, there is severe limitation because of wetness and large stones
and for small commercial buildings, there is severe limitation due to large stones.
Map Unit: 722C - ANNISQUAM FINE SANDY LOAM, 8 TO 15 PERCENT SLOPES, EXTREMELY BOULDERY
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The map unit is in capability subclass 7S which has very severe limitations that make the soil unsuited to cultivation and that restricts its
use to grazing. Boulders are a significant limitation.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The map unit is well drained; water is removed readily, but not rapidly. Surface boulders limit cultivation or use of equipment. Agronomic
capability class is 7S. Depth to bedrock is greater than 60 inches. A firm layer at about 28 inches impedes the vertical movement of
water. A seasonal high water table is normally between 1.5 and 2.5 feet below the surface from JAN through APR.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
This map unit has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of slow percolation. There is severe limitation for
local roads and streets due to large stones. For dwellings with basement, there is severe limitation because of wetness and large stones
and for small commercial buildings, there is severe limitation due to slope and large stones.
Map Unit: 722E - ANNISQUAM FINE SANDY LOAM, 15 TO 35 PERCENT SLOPES, EXTREMELY BOULDERY
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The map unit is in capability subclass 7S which has very severe limitations that make the soil unsuited to cultivation and that restricts its
use to grazing. Boulders are a significant limitation.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The map unit is well drained; water is removed readily, but not rapidly. Surface boulders limit cultivation or use of equipment. Agronomic
capability class is 7S. Depth to bedrock is greater than 60 inches. A firm layer at about 28 inches impedes the vertical movement of
water. A seasonal high water table is normally between 1.5 and 2.5 feet below the surface from JAN through APR.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
This map unit has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of slow percolation and slope. There is severe
limitation for local roads and streets due to slope. For dwellings with basement, there is severe limitation because of slope, wetness and
large stones and for small commercial buildings, there is severe limitation due to slope and large stones.
Map Unit: 723A - ELMRIDGE FINE SANDY LOAM, 0 TO 3 PERCENT SLOPES
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The map unit is in capability subclass 2W indicating limitations that reduce the choice of plants or require moderate conservation
practices. Water in or on the soil may interfere with plant growth or cultivation.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The map unit is moderately well drained; water is removed somewhat slowly during some periods. Agronomic capability class is 2W.
Depth to bedrock is greater than 60 inches. A seasonal high water table is normally between 1.5 and 2.5 feet below the surface from
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
This map unit has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of wetness and slow percolation. There is severe
limitation for local roads and streets due to frost action. For dwellings with basement, there is severe limitation because of wetness and
for small commercial buildings, there is moderate limitation due to wetness.
Map Unit: 723B - ELMRIDGE FINE SANDY LOAM, 3 TO 8 PERCENT SLOPES
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The map unit is in capability subclass 2E indicating limitations that reduce the choice of plants or require moderate conservation
practices. Erosion is a limitation unless close growing plant cover is maintained.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The map unit is moderately well drained; water is removed somewhat slowly during some periods. Agronomic capability class is 2E.
Depth to bedrock is greater than 60 inches. A seasonal high water table is normally between 1.5 and 2.5 feet below the surface from
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
This map unit has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of wetness and slow percolation. There is severe
limitation for local roads and streets due to frost action. For dwellings with basement, there is severe limitation because of wetness and
for small commercial buildings, there is moderate limitation due to wetness and slope.
Map Unit: 724C - HOLLIS-URBAN LAND-ROCK OUTCROP COMPLEX, SLOPING
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
ROCK OUTCROP An on-site investigation is necessary to determine suitability and limitations.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The HOLLIS component is in capability subclass 6S indicating severe limitations that make the soil generally unsuited to cultivation and
limit its use largely to pasture. Shallow depth to bedrock is a significant limitation.
Map Unit: 724C - HOLLIS-URBAN LAND-ROCK OUTCROP COMPLEX, SLOPING
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
URBAN LAND An on-site investigation is necessary to determine suitability and limitations.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The HOLLIS component is well drained; water is removed readily, but not rapidly. Agronomic capability class is 6S. Depth to bedrock is
between 10 and 20 inches. The water table is normally more than 6.0 feet below the surface.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
In URBAN areas, an on-site investigation is needed to determine suitability or limitation for intended uses.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
ROCK OUTCROP can consist of up to 90 percent exposed bedrock. Most outcrops are too hard to be broken and mixed by tillage.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
HOLLIS has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of shallow depth to bedrock. There is severe limitation
for local roads and streets due to shallow depth to bedrock. For dwellings with basement, there is severe limitation because of shallow
depth to bedrock and for small commercial buildings, there is severe limitation due to slope and shallow depth to bedrock.
Map Unit: 725A - SHAKER FINE SANDY LOAM, 0 TO 3 PERCENT SLOPES
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The map unit is in capability subclass 3W indicating severe limitations that reduce the choice of plants or require special conservation
practices, or both. Water in or on the soil may interfere with plant growth or cultivation.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The map unit is poorly drained; water is removed so slowly that the soil is saturated or remains wet for long periods. Agronomic capability
class is 3W. Depth to bedrock is greater than 60 inches. A seasonal high water table is normally between 0 and 1.5 feet below the
surface from OCT through JUN.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
This map unit has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of wetness and slow percolation. There is severe
limitation for local roads and streets due to wetness and frost action. For dwellings with basement, there is severe limitation because of
wetness and for small commercial buildings, there is severe limitation due to wetness.
Map Unit: 725B - SHAKER FINE SANDY LOAM, 3 TO 8 PERCENT SLOPES
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/AGR
The map unit is in capability subclass 3W indicating severe limitations that reduce the choice of plants or require special conservation
practices, or both. Water in or on the soil may interfere with plant growth or cultivation.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/SOI
The map unit is poorly drained; water is removed so slowly that the soil is saturated or remains wet for long periods. Agronomic capability
class is 3W. Depth to bedrock is greater than 60 inches. A seasonal high water table is normally between 0 and 1.5 feet below the
surface from OCT through JUN.
Text Kind/Category: Nontechnical description/URB
This map unit has severe limitation for use as a septic tank absorbtion field because of wetness and slow percolation. There is severe
limitation for local roads and streets due to wetness and frost action. For dwellings with basement, there is severe limitation because of
wetness and for small commercial buildings, there is severe limitation due to wetness.
