The following is a map unit description from the "Soil Survey of Norfolk and Suffolk Counties, Massachusetts (Peragallo, 1989)"

ScB-Scio very fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes. This is a nearly level or gently sloping, moderately well drained soil in slight depressions on plains and on tops of low terraces along the Charles and Neponset Rivers, Individual areas of this soil are irregular in shape and range from about 5 to 20 acres.

Typically, the surface layer is dark grayish brown silt loam about 9 inches thick. The subsoil is 14 inches thick. It is light olive brown silt loam in the upper part and mottled, olive silt loam in the lower part, The substratum is mottled, olive silt loam to a depth of 60 inches or more. In some areas slopes are less than 2 percent. In a few areas the surface layer and the subsoil have more sand.

Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of Haven soils on subtle rises in the topography and Sudbury soils in similar positions on the landscape. Included soils make up about 20 percent of the map unit.

Permeability: Moderate.

Available water capacity: Moderate.

Soil reaction: Very strongly acid to moderately acid throughout.

Depth to bedrock: More than 60 inches.

Depth to the seasonal high water table: 1.5 to 2.0 feet.

Hydrologic group: B.

Most areas of this soil are abandoned cropland. A few areas are woodland.

This soil is well suited to cultivated crops and pasture. In some years the seasonal high water table delays planting or harvesting. Drainage is needed for maximum crop yields and efficient use of machinery. Most forage grasses are suited to the undrained soil.

Potential productivity for northern red oak on this soil is moderately high. The soil is easily managed for woodland use. The high productivity of this soil justifies intensive management for either hardwoods or conifers. Plant competition at regeneration is moderate if conifers are grown. Thinning crowded stands to accepted standard stocking levels allows more vigorous growth. Shelterwood cutting, seed-tree cutting, and clearcutting help to establish natural regeneration or to provide suitable planting sites. Removing or controlling competing vegetation allows best growth of newly established seedlings. Pruning helps to improve the quality of white pine.

Constructing buildings without basements, above the seasonal high water table, helps to protect the interior from damage by the seasonal high water table. Tile drains around foundations help to lower the seasonal high water table. Landscaping designed to drain surface water away from buildings and use of sump pumps in basements also protect the interior from damage by the seasonal high water table. Constructing roads on well compacted, coarse textured base material helps to protect pavement from damage by potential frost action. The seasonal high water table is the main limitation to use of the soil as sites for septic tank absorption fields. Placing distribution lines in a mound of more suitable fill material helps to overcome this limitation.

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