PLYMOUTH COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS SOIL SURVEY UPDATE

Swansea Soils: Very deep, level, very poorly drained soil formed in 16 to 51 inches of highly decomposed organic material overlying glacial sediments. Swansea soils are in depressions, kettles or in low level areas of outwash plains and uplands.

Link to Official Series Description

Swansea Pedon Description 2305901
Swansea Pedon Description 2305101
Swansea Pedon Description 2305102

Map Unit (s): 051, 060
Map Phases:

  • 51 Swansea muck.
    060 Swansea coarse sand (cranberry bed map unit).
    •

    Taxonomic Classification: Sandy or sandy skeletal, mixed, dysic mesic, Terric Medisaprists.
    Drainage Class: Very poorly drained.
    Parent Material: Swansea soils formed in 16 to 51 inches of organic material underlain by fluvial or lacustrine sediments.
    Permeability: Moderate or moderately rapid.
    Available Water Holding Capacity: High.
    Soil Reaction: pH is less than 4.5 in 0.01 molar calcium chloride.
    Depth to Bedrock: Greater than 65 inches.
    Seasonal High Watertable: Depth: +2.5 to 0.5 feet below the surface. Type: Apparent.
    Months: January to December.
    Hydrologic Group: D.
    Hydric Soil: Yes.
    Flooding/Ponding Potential: Frequency and Type: Frequently ponded. Duration and Months: Long to very long, November to May.
    Map unit 060 is periodically flooded throughout the year for cranberry management practices.
    Potential Inclusions: Very poorly drained Scarboro, Berryland, and Freetown soils are similar inclusions. Poorly drained Wareham, Saugatuck and Pipestone soils are on higher elevations.

    Soil Suitability:

    Agriculture: Poorly suited for most agricultural uses mainly due to wetness. Map unit 060 is important/unique farmland for cranberry production.

    Woodland: Poorly suited due to wetness. Swansea soils have a sever limitation for tree throw hazard.

    Development: Poorly suited due to seasonal high watertables at or near the surface for prolong periods of time. Organic layers have very low strength and should be removed to support loads.

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