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

SeB-Scituate fine sandy loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes. This is a very deep, gently sloping, moderately well drained soil in low areas on tops, the lower slopes, and depressions of uplands. Areas of the soil are irregular in shape and range from 6 to 20 acres.

Typically, the surface layer is black fine sandy loam about 5 inches thick. The subsoil is about 27 inches thick. It is dark brown to dark yellowish brown sandy loam in the upper part and mottled, light olive brown gravelly loamy sand in the lower part. The substratum is firm, mottled, grayish brown gravelly loamy sand to a depth of 60 inches or more.

Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of Woodbridge soils in positions on the landscape similar to those of the Scituate soils. Also included are small areas of Ridgebury soils in depressions and Montauk soils on knolls. Included areas make up about 15 percent of the map unit.

Permeability: Moderate in the surface layer and the subsoil and slow in the substratum.

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 2.5 feet.

Hydrologic group: C.

Most areas of this soil are woodland. Some areas are used as cropland and pastureland. Some areas are used as individual homesites.

This soil is very well suited to cultivated crops and pasture. In some years the perched seasonal high water table delays planting in spring or harvesting in fall. Drainage is needed for best crop growth and the most efficient use of machinery. The firm, compact substratum limits installing effective drainage systems. Farming on the contour or across the slope, crop rotations, and cover crops help to reduce runoff and to control erosion. Proper stocking rates, timely grazing, and restricted grazing during wet periods help to maintain desirable pasture plant species.

Potential productivity for northern red oak on this soil is moderate. The soil is easily managed for woodland use. 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 is generally needed for 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 and the use of sump pumps in basements help to lower the seasonal high water table. Landscaping designed to drain surface water away from buildings also protects the interior from damage by the seasonal high water table. Constructing roads on raised, coarse textured base material and providing adequate side ditches and culverts help to protect the roads from damage by the seasonal high water table and potential frost action.

The seasonal high water table and permeability are the main limitations 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 these limitations.