PLYMOUTH COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS SOIL SURVEY UPDATE

Massasoit and Mashpee Soils: Very deep, nearly level, somewhat poorly to poorly drained map unit complex formed in sandy outwash material. Massasoit and Mashpee soils are in depressions, at the base of swales and in low areas which border streams, ponds and swamps.

NOTE: Massasoit soils were formerly classified as Saugatuck soils,  Mashpee soils were formerly classified as Pipestone soils

Click here to see a Massasoit soil profile

Link to Official Series Description Saugatuck
Link to Official Series Description Pipestone
Pipestone Pedon Description 2326801
Massasoit Pedon Description 2326803
Massasoit Pedon Description 2303704
Mashpee Pedon Description 2303705

Map Unit (s): 037/ 038
Map Phases: 37A Massasoit - Mashpee complex.
Taxonomic Classification: Massasoit soils: Sandy, mixed, mesic, Ortstein Aeric Haplaquods.
Mashpee soils: Sandy, mixed, mesic, Typic Endoaquods.
Drainage Class: Poorly drained.
Parent Material: Glacial fluvial deposits.
Permeability: Rapid in loose sandy horizons, slow in cemented layers.
Available Water Holding Capacity: Low.
Soil Reaction: Very strongly acid to neutral.
Depth to Bedrock: Greater than 65 inches.
Seasonal High Watertable: Depth: +0.5 to 1.5 feet below the surface. Type: Apparent. Months: November to June.
Hydrologic Group: C.
Hydric Soil: Yes.
Flooding/Ponding Potential: Frequency and Type: Commonly ponded. Duration and Months: Brief to long, November to May.
Potential Inclusions: Walpole and Wareham soils are similar inclusions. Very poorly drained Scarboro and Berryland soils are on lower elevations. Moderately well drained Deerfield and Eldridge soils are on higher elevations.

Soil Suitability:

Agriculture: Poorly suited for most agricultural uses mainly due to wetness.

Woodland: Poorly suited due to wetness.

Development: Poorly suited due to seasonal high watertables at or near the surface for prolong periods of time.

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