United StatesDepartment ofAgriculture

NaturalResourcesConservationService

In cooperation withThe Pennsylvania StateUniversity, College ofAgricultural Sciences;the PennsylvaniaDepartment ofEnvironmental Protection;and the PennsylvaniaDepartment of Agriculture

Soil Survey ofAdams County,Pennsylvania

General Soil Map

The general soil map, which is the color map preceding the detailed soil maps, shows the survey area dividedinto groups of associated soils called general soil map units. This map is useful in planning the use andmanagement of large areas.

To find information about your area of interest, locate that area on the map,identify the name of the map unit in the area on the color-coded maplegend, then refer to the section General Soil Map Units for ageneral description of the soils in your area.

Detailed Soil Maps

The detailed soil maps follow thegeneral soil map. These mapscan be useful in planning the useand management of small areas.

To find information about yourarea of interest, locate that areaon the Index to Map Sheets,which precedes the soil maps.Note the number of the mapsheet and turn to that sheet.

Locate your area of interest onthe map sheet. Note the map unitsymbols that are in that area. Turnto the Contents, which lists themap units by symbol and nameand shows the page where eachmap unit is described.

The Contents shows which table has data on a specific land use for each detailed soil map unit. Also see theContents for sections of this publication that may address your specific needs.

3

How to Use This Soil Survey

4

Additional information about the Nation’s natural resources is available on theNatural Resources Conservation Service homepage on the World Wide Web. Theaddress is http://www.nrcs.usda.gov.

This soil survey is a publication of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a joint effortof the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, Stateagencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. The NaturalResources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) hasleadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey.

Major fieldwork for this soil survey was completed in 1988. Soil names anddescriptions were approved in 1991. Unless otherwise indicated, statements in thispublication refer to conditions in the survey area in 1988. This survey was madecooperatively by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and The PennsylvaniaState University, College of Agricultural Sciences; the Pennsylvania Department ofEnvironmental Protection; and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The surveyis part of the technical assistance furnished to the Adams County Conservation District.

Soil maps in this survey may be copied without permission. Enlargement of thesemaps, however, could cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping. If enlarged,maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at alarger scale.

The first soil survey for Adams County, Pennsylvania, was published by the UnitedStates Department of Agriculture in 1904. The next soil survey, also published by theUnited States Department of Agriculture, was issued in 1967 (USDA, 1967). The presentsoil survey updates the previous soil survey. It provides additional information, such asupdated soil delineations on orthophotographs, more detailed map unit descriptions, andinterpretive information.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all ofits programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability,political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited basesapply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means forcommunication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) shouldcontact the USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice or TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC20250-9410, or call 202-720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity providerand employer.

Cover: Apple trees in blossom on Arendtsville gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes.

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov

5

Cover ....................................................................... 1How to Use This Soil Survey .................................. 3Contents .................................................................. 5Foreword ................................................................. 9General Nature of the County .................................. 11

History and Development .................................... 11Agriculture and Industry ...................................... 12Physiography ...................................................... 13Mineral Resources .............................................. 14Climate ............................................................... 14

How This Survey Was Made .................................... 14Map Unit Composition ............................................. 15General Soil Map Units ......................................... 17

Soil Descriptions ................................................. 171. Penn-Klinesville-Croton ............................ 172. Lehigh-Neshaminy ................................... 173. Edgemont-Highfield-Catoctin .................... 194. Highfield-Arendtsville-Rohrersville ............ 195. Penn-Abbottstown-Readington.................. 206. Conestoga-Clarksburg-Penlaw .................. 217. Glenelg-Mt. Airy ....................................... 228. Athol-Penlaw-Clarksburg .......................... 23

Detailed Soil Map Units ........................................ 25Soil Descriptions ................................................. 26

AbA—Abbottstown silt loam, 0 to 3 percentslopes .................................................... 26

AbB—Abbottstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percentslopes .................................................... 27

ArB—Arendtsville gravelly loam, 3 to 8percent slopes ....................................... 28

ArC—Arendtsville gravelly loam, 8 to 15percent slopes ....................................... 28

ArD—Arendtsville gravelly loam, 15 to 25percent slopes ....................................... 29

ArE—Arendtsville gravelly loam, 25 to 40percent slopes ....................................... 30

AtA—Athol gravelly silt loam, 0 to 3 percentslopes .................................................... 31

AtB—Athol gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8 percentslopes .................................................... 31

AtC—Athol gravelly silt loam, 8 to 15percent slopes ....................................... 32

Ba—Baile silt loam ......................................... 33Be—Bermudian silt loam ................................ 34

BgA—Birdsboro silt loam, 0 to 3 percentslopes .................................................... 34

BgB—Birdsboro silt loam, 3 to 8 percentslopes .................................................... 35

BgC—Birdsboro silt loam, 8 to 15 percentslopes .................................................... 35

Bo—Bowmansville silt loam ........................... 36BrB—Brecknock channery silt loam, 3 to 8

percent slopes ....................................... 37BrC—Brecknock channery silt loam, 8 to 15

percent slopes ....................................... 37BrD—Brecknock channery silt loam, 15 to 25

percent slopes ....................................... 38BuB—Buchanan channery loam, 3 to 8

percent slopes ....................................... 39BvB—Buchanan channery loam, 0 to 8

percent slopes, extremely stony ............ 39CcB—Catoctin channery silt loam, 3 to 8

percent slopes ....................................... 40CcC—Catoctin channery silt loam, 8 to 15

percent slopes ....................................... 41CcE—Catoctin channery silt loam, 25 to 35

percent slopes ....................................... 41CkA—Clarksburg silt loam, 0 to 3 percent

slopes .................................................... 42CkB—Clarksburg silt loam, 3 to 8 percent

slopes .................................................... 43Cm—Codorus silt loam ................................... 43CnA—Conestoga silt loam, 0 to 3 percent

slopes .................................................... 44CnB—Conestoga silt loam, 3 to 8 percent

slopes .................................................... 45CnC—Conestoga silt loam, 8 to 15 percent

slopes .................................................... 45CrA—Croton silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes... 46CrB—Croton silt loam, 3 to 8 percent

slopes .................................................... 47DAM—Dams .................................................. 48Dx—Dumps, refuse ........................................ 48Dy—Dunning silty clay loam ........................... 48EdB—Edgemont channery loam, 3 to 8

percent slopes ....................................... 49EdC—Edgemont channery loam, 8 to 15

percent slopes ....................................... 49

Contents

6

EdD—Edgemont channery loam, 15 to 25percent slopes .................................................... 50

EeB—Edgemont channery loam, 0 to 8percent slopes, very stony .................................. 51

EeD—Edgemont channery loam, 8 to 25percent slopes, very stony .................................. 51

EeF—Edgemont channery loam, 25 to 70percent slopes, very stony .................................. 52

GbB—Glenelg channery silt loam, 3 to 8percent slopes .................................................... 52

GbC—Glenelg channery silt loam, 8 to 15percent slopes .................................................... 53

GbD—Glenelg channery silt loam, 15 to 25percent slopes .................................................... 53

GdA—Glenville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ...... 54GdB—Glenville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes ...... 55Hc—Hatboro silt loam ............................................. 56HgB—Highfield channery silt loam, 3 to 8

percent slopes .................................................... 56HgC—Highfield channery silt loam, 8 to 15

percent slopes .................................................... 57HHD—Highfield and Catoctin channery silt

loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes ........................... 58HKB—Highfield, Catoctin, and Myersville

soils, 0 to 8 percent slopes, very stony .............. 59HKD—Highfield, Catoctin, and Myersville

soils, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very stony ............ 60HMF—Highfield and Catoctin channery silt

loams, 25 to 70 percent slopes, very stony ........ 61KnB—Klinesville channery silt loam, 3 to 8

percent slopes .................................................... 62KnC—Klinesville channery silt loam, 8 to 15

percent slopes .................................................... 63KnD—Klinesville channery silt loam, 15 to 25

percent slopes .................................................... 64KnE—Klinesville channery silt loam, 25 to 40

percent slopes .................................................... 64Lc—Lamington silt loam .......................................... 65LeB—Lansdale loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes ............ 66LfC—Lansdale channery loam, 8 to 15

percent slopes .................................................... 66LgB—Legore channery silt loam, 3 to 8

percent slopes .................................................... 67LgC—Legore channery silt loam, 8 to 15

percent slopes .................................................... 68

LgD—Legore channery silt loam, 15 to 25percent slopes .................................................... 69

LhA—Lehigh channery silt loam, 0 to 3percent slopes .................................................... 69

LhB—Lehigh channery silt loam, 3 to 8percent slopes .................................................... 70

LhC—Lehigh channery silt loam, 8 to 15percent slopes .................................................... 71

LkB—Lehigh channery silt loam, 0 to 8percent slopes, very stony .................................. 72

Lw—Lindside silt loam ............................................ 73MdA—Mount Lucas silt loam, 0 to 3

percent slopes .................................................... 73MdB—Mount Lucas silt loam, 3 to 8

percent slopes .................................................... 74MeB—Mount Lucas silt loam, 0 to 8

percent slopes, very bouldery ............................. 75MOB—Mt. Airy and Manor channery loams,

3 to 8 percent slopes .......................................... 75MOC—Mt. Airy and Manor channery loams,

8 to 15 percent slopes ........................................ 76MOD—Mt. Airy and Manor channery loams,

15 to 25 percent slopes ...................................... 77MtB—Mt. Zion gravelly silt loam, 3 to 8

percent slopes .................................................... 79MtC—Mt. Zion gravelly silty loam, 8 to 15

percent slopes .................................................... 79MtD—Mt. Zion gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25

percent slopes .................................................... 80MyB—Myersville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes .... 81MyC—Myersville silt loam, 8 to 15 percent

slopes ................................................................. 81MyD—Myersville silt loam, 15 to 25 percent

slopes ................................................................. 82NaB—Neshaminy channery silt loam, 3 to 8

percent slopes .................................................... 83NaC—Neshaminy channery silt loam, 8 to 15

percent slopes .................................................... 83NdB—Neshaminy channery silt loam, 0 to 8

percent slopes, extremely bouldery .................... 84NdD—Neshaminy channery silt loam, 8 to 25

percent slopes, extremely bouldery .................... 85NdE—Neshaminy channery silt loam, 25 to 45

percent slopes, extremely bouldery .................... 85Pa—Penlaw silt loam .............................................. 86

7

PbD—Penn loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes,very stony........................................................... 87

PcB—Penn silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes ............ 88PcC—Penn silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes .......... 89PoB—Penn-Klinesville channery silt loams,

3 to 8 percent slopes .......................................... 89PoC—Penn-Klinesville channery silt loams,

8 to 15 percent slopes ........................................ 90PsD—Pequea silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes ..... 92Pt—Pits, quarries.................................................... 93RaA—Raritan silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes ......... 93RaB—Raritan silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes ......... 94RcC—Ravenrock-Highfield-Rock outcrop

complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes ......................... 95RcD—Ravenrock-Highfield-Rock outcrop

complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes ....................... 95RcF—Ravenrock-Highfield-Rock outcrop

complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes ....................... 96RdC—Ravenrock-Rohrersville complex, 3 to 15

percent slopes, extremely stony ......................... 97ReA—Readington silt loam, 0 to 3 percent

slopes ................................................................. 98ReB—Readington silt loam, 3 to 8 percent

slopes ................................................................. 99RfA—Reaville channery silt loam, 0 to 3

percent slopes .................................................... 99RfB—Reaville channery silt loam, 3 to 8

percent slopes .................................................. 100RfC—Reaville channery silt loam, 8 to 15

percent slopes .................................................. 101RoB—Rohrersville silt loam, 3 to 8 percent

slopes ............................................................... 102RsB—Rohrersville silt loam, 0 to 15

percent slopes, very stony ................................ 103Rw—Rowland silt loam.......................................... 103StB—Steinsburg channery sandy loam, 3 to 8

percent slopes .................................................. 104StC—Steinsburg channery sandy loam, 8 to 15

percent slopes .................................................. 105StD—Steinsburg channery sandy loam, 15 to 25

percent slopes .................................................. 105Uc—Urban land ..................................................... 106UeB—Urban land-Conestoga complex, 0 to 8

percent slopes .................................................. 106

UgB—Urban land-Penn complex, 0 to 8percent slopes .................................................. 107

WaA—Watchung silt loam, 0 to 3 percentslopes ............................................................... 108

WaB—Watchung silt loam, 3 to 8 percentslopes ............................................................... 109

WbB—Watchung silt loam, 0 to 8 percentslopes, extremely bouldery ............................... 110

Use and Management of the Soils ..................... 113Interpretive Ratings ........................................... 113

Rating Class Terms....................................... 113Numerical Ratings ........................................ 113

Crops and Pasture ............................................ 113Yields per Acre ............................................. 115Land Capability Classification ....................... 115Prime Farmland ............................................ 116

Agricultural Waste Management ........................ 117Forest Productivity and Management ................ 119

Forest Productivity ....................................... 119Forestland Management ............................... 119

Recreation ........................................................ 121Wildlife Habitat .................................................. 123Hydric Soils ...................................................... 124Engineering ....................................................... 125

Building Site Development ............................ 125Sanitary Facilities ......................................... 126Construction Materials .................................. 128Water Management ....................................... 129

Soil Properties .................................................... 131Engineering Index Properties ............................ 131Physical Properties .......................................... 132Chemical Properties ......................................... 133Soil Features .................................................... 134Water Features ................................................. 135

Classification of the Soils ................................... 137Soil Series and Their Morphology .......................... 137

Abbottstown Series ........................................... 137Arendtsville Series ............................................ 138Athol Series ...................................................... 139Baile Series ...................................................... 140Bermudian Series ............................................. 141Birdsboro Series ............................................... 141Bowmansville Series ........................................ 142Brecknock Series ............................................. 143

8

Buchanan Series .............................................. 143Catoctin Series ................................................. 145Clarksburg Series ............................................. 145Codorus Series ................................................. 146Conestoga Series ............................................. 147Croton Series .................................................... 148Dunning Series ................................................. 148Edgemont Series .............................................. 149Glenelg Series .................................................. 150Glenville Series ................................................ 151Hatboro Series .................................................. 152Highfield Series ................................................ 153Klinesville Series .............................................. 153Lamington Series .............................................. 154Lansdale Series ................................................ 155Legore Series ................................................... 156Lehigh Series .................................................... 157Lindside Series ................................................. 157Manor Series .................................................... 159Mount Lucas Series .......................................... 159Mt. Airy Series .................................................. 160Mt. Zion Series ................................................. 161Myersville Series .............................................. 162Neshaminy Series ............................................ 162Penlaw Series ................................................... 163Penn Series ...................................................... 164Pequea Series .................................................. 165Raritan Series ................................................... 165Ravenrock Series ............................................. 167Readington Series ............................................ 167Reaville Series.................................................. 168Rohrersville Series ............................................ 169Rowland Series ................................................. 170Steinsburg Series ............................................. 171Watchung Series ............................................... 171

References ........................................................... 173Glossary .............................................................. 175Tables .................................................................. 187

Table 1.—Temperature and Precipitation ........... 188Table 2.—Freeze Dates in Spring and Fall ......... 189Table 3.—Growing Season ................................ 189Table 4.—Acreage and Proportionate Extent

of the Soils ................................................. 190Table 5.—Land Capability and Yields per

Acre of Crops and Pasture ......................... 192Table 6.—Acreage by Capability Class and Subclass ...................................................... 199Table 7.—Prime Farmland ................................. 200Table 8a.—Agricultural Waste Management ...... 201Table 8b.—Agricultural Waste Management ....... 226Table 9.—Forest Productivity ............................ 250Table 10a.—Forestland Management ................ 265Table 10b.—Forestland Management ................ 277Table 10c.—Forestland Management ................ 289Table 10d.—Forestland Management ................ 300Table 10e.—Forestland Management ................ 308Table 11a.—Recreational Development ............. 319Table 11b.—Recreational Development ............. 337Table 12.—Wildlife Habitat ................................ 352Table 13.—Map Units with Hydric

Components ............................................... 361Table 14.—Map Units with Hydric Inclusions ..... 363Table 15a.—Building Site Development ............. 369Table 15b.—Building Site Development ............. 382Table 16a.—Sanitary Facilities .......................... 399Table 16b.—Sanitary Facilities .......................... 416Table 17a.—Construction Materials ................... 431Table 17b.—Construction Materials ................... 443Table 18.—Water Management ......................... 460Table 19.—Engineering Index Properties .......... 473Table 20.—Physical Properties of the Soils ...... 549Table 21.—Chemical Properties of the Soils ..... 570Table 22.—Soil Features ................................... 586Table 23.—Water Features ................................ 594Table 24.—Classification of the Soils ................ 605

Issued 2005

9

This soil survey presents information that affects land use planning in this surveyarea. It makes predictions of soil behavior for selected land uses. The survey alsohighlights soil limitations, improvements needed to overcome the limitations, and theimpact of selected land uses on the environment.

This soil survey is designed for many different users. Farmers, foresters, andagronomists can use it to evaluate the potential of the soil and the management neededfor maximum food and fiber production. Planners, community officials, engineers,developers, builders, and home buyers can use the survey to plan land use, select sitesfor construction, and identify special practices needed to ensure proper performance.Conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, wildlifemanagement, waste disposal, and pollution control can use the survey to help themunderstand, protect, and enhance the environment.

Various land use regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may imposespecial restrictions on land use or land treatment. The information in this report isintended to identify soil properties that are used in making various land use or landtreatment decisions. Statements made in this report are intended to help the land usersidentify and reduce the effects of soil limitations on various land uses. The landowner oruser is responsible for identifying and complying with existing laws and regulations.

Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils areseasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are shallow to bedrock. Some are toounstable to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorlysuited to use as septic tank absorption fields. A high water table makes a soil poorlysuited to basements or underground installations.

These and many other soil properties that affect land use are described in this soilsurvey. Broad areas of soils are shown on the general soil map. The location of each soilis shown on the detailed soil maps. Each soil in the survey area is described.Information on specific uses is given for each soil. Help in using this publication andadditional information are available at the local office of the Natural ResourcesConservation Service or the Cooperative Extension Service.

Robin HeardState ConservationistNatural Resources Conservation Service

Foreword

11

Soil Survey of

Adams County, Pennsylvania

ADAMS COUNTY is located in the south-central part ofPennsylvania (fig. 1). The county has an area of333,894 acres, or about 522 square miles. AdamsCounty is bordered on the east by York County, on thenorth by Cumberland County, and on the west byFranklin County. The southern boundary is the Mason-Dixon line, separating Adams County from Carroll andFrederick Counties, Maryland.

Adams County lies mostly in the Piedmont provinceof Pennsylvania. Most of the county is dominantlyundulating to rolling, and is dissected by manydrainageways and streams. Some of the county isnearly level. Hills are scattered throughout much of thePiedmont area. South Mountain, in the western andnorthern parts of the county, is in the Blue Ridgeprovince, which has hills, ridges, and narrow valleys.Of the county’s two main watersheds, the northern halfdrains into the Susquehanna River largely by way ofthe Conewago Creek and its many tributaries. Most ofthe southern half drains into the Potomac River throughToms, Middle, Marsh, Rock, and Alloway Creeks andtheir tributaries.

More than 100 different kinds of soil are in AdamsCounty. These soils range widely in texture, naturaldrainage, depth, slope, and other characteristics. Thesoils in the South Mountain area are dominantly deep,well drained, and commonly very stony. In this areaslope and stones are major limitations to use of thesoils. In the rest of the county the soils have morevariable characteristics, including wetness, depth tobedrock, and slope, which are major limitations to theiruse.

The land area is divided as follows: cropland, about

By Robert V. Smith, Natural Resources Conservation Service

Fieldwork by Robert V. Smith, Natural Resources Conservation Service

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service,in cooperation withThe Pennsylvania State University, College of Agricultural Sciences;Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection;and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

45 percent; woodland, 30 percent; pasture, 10 percent;and urban, industrial, commercial, and other land, 15percent.

General Nature of the CountyThis section provides general information about

history and development; agriculture and industry;physiography; mineral resources; and climate ofAdams County.

History and Development

In 1681, William Penn received the royal charter ofthe “Penn’s Woods” province from the Duke of York,who later became King Charles II of England. The firstdivisions of the province were Philadelphia, Bucks, andChester Counties. In 1727, Lancaster County wasformed from Chester County, and in 1736 LancasterCounty was extended to include a wide area west ofthe Susquehanna River. In 1749, the area west of theriver was separated from Lancaster County and wasnamed for the Duke of York. The Calverts of Marylandclaimed the southern part of York County until theMason-Dixon line was first surveyed, between 1763and 1767. On January 22, 1800, Adams County,separated from York County and named for PresidentJohn Adams, was organized as the 27th county inPennsylvania.

The early settlers of the area now called AdamsCounty came to America seeking religious liberty.Among those in the settlement were GermanMennonites, Moravians, Dunkards, Scotch-Irish family

12 Soil Survey

Presbyterians, English, Irish Quakers, and Catholicmembers of the Church of England. Farms and townswere built in the rapidly cleared wilderness. Roadsreached into all parts of the county.

In 1786, Gettysburg was laid out and named for theof General James Gettys. It is the county seat and thelargest borough in Adams County.

Gettysburg had a population of 1,473 in 1830, 2,200in 1860, and 7,194 in 1980. For 3 days in 1863,Gettysburg was the site of one of the decisive battlesof the Civil War. In 1895 Congress created GettysburgNational Military Park, encompassing 3,865 acressurrounding the borough (fig. 2). The 690-acre farm thatPresident Dwight D. Eisenhower owned southwest ofGettysburg is now the Eisenhower National HistoricalPark.

The population of Adams County was 13,172 in1800 and 68,292 in 1980 (Commonwealth ofPennsylvania, 1987). It is about 19 percent urban and81 percent rural. Every year, however, farmland is lostto urbanization as homes, factories, and commercialdevelopments trend into many parts of thecounty.

Agriculture and Industry

After the settlement of Adams County, subsistencefarming prevailed. Transportation of necessities fromthe East was slow, expensive, and irregular, but theforests provided fuel, lumber, tannin, and charcoal.Natural deposits of limestone, clay, sand, iron, andstone were raw materials. The soils and climate weresuitable for growing corn, wheat, rye, buckwheat, andgrass. Livestock provided food, leather, and wool. Thelarger streams powered grist mills and sawmills andeased transportation.

The county from its earliest settlement was primarilyagricultural. Fields were cultivated continuously in one

crop without the use of manure or fertilizer. Asproductivity decreased the fields were abandoned. Newfields were cleared and cultivated. By 1750, farmersrecognized the importance of lime, and most farmshad kilns for burning limestone. The commercial limeindustry began about 1840. Crop rotation began aboutthe same time, along with extensive use of fertilizerand lime. In the late 1800’s, agriculture becamespecialized, particularly in the growing of fruit. Thefirst large commercial orchard, with some 2,000apple trees, was planted near Cashtown in 1878.The first carlot of apples shipped from this orchard in1893.

Agriculture has remained an important part of theeconomy of the county. According to the 1982 Censusof Agriculture (U.S. Department of Commerce, 1984)about 1,199 farms occupied nearly 60 percent of thecounty. The average size was about 164 acres.Orchards took in 21,435 acres. The principalagricultural crops were corn, hay, wheat, soybeans,oats, and barley. The main fruit crops were apples,peaches, cherries, and grapes.

In 1987, Adams County was the leading producer inPennsylvania of apples and was second in peaches,eggs, and chickens, excluding broilers (PennsylvaniaDepartment of Agriculture, 1988). It was fifth inPennsylvania in agricultural receipts and sixth in wheatproduction. The Hanover Shoe Farms, founded in 1926,was the world’s largest breeder of standard breedhorses.

Early industries included grist mills, sawmills,woolen mills, tanneries, shoe making, ceramics,bricks, and iron works. The iron industry began in theearly 1800’s, flourished until the Civil War, andcontinued on a less important scale until abandonmentin the early 1870’s. During this period nearly all treeswere cut in the vast woodlands that covered the SouthMountain area (Stose, 1932). The trees were usedprimarily to make charcoal for the iron industry. Sincethat time trees in the area have reached marketablesize. Commercial forestland takes in about 104,000acres. Limestone was quarried largely for agriculturaluse and as flux for the iron works. The limestoneindustry is still very active. Following development ofthe county as an important fruit growing area, the fruitprocessing industry became the leading single industryin the county.

Today, manufacturing is the largest industry in thecounty. In 1982, 108 manufacturing companies hadtotal sales of more than $535 million (Commonwealthof Pennsylvania, 1987). Prominent among them areproducers of processed foods. Other importantindustries are book printing and publishing, elevatorsand moving stairways, ceramic wall and floor tile,

Figure 1.—Location of Adams County in Pennsylvania.

Adams County, Pennsylvania 13

poultry and poultry products, footwear, fiber boxes,wood kitchen cabinets, and petroleum products.

Physiography

Adams County lies in two physiographic provinces,the Piedmont province, and the Southern section of theBlue Ridge province (Patrick and others, 1924). ThePiedmont province is divided into the PiedmontUplands section, Conestoga Valley section, andTriassic Lowland section.

The Piedmont Upland section, which takes in about3 percent of the county, is in the southeastern cornerof the county and in the Pigeon Hills south ofAbbottstown. It consists of rolling to hilly uplands withbroad ridgetops at an elevation of 700 to 800 feet. It isdrained dominantly by the South Branch ConewagoCreek and its tributaries. Schist and phyllite bedrockunderlie most of this section. The Glenelg-Mt. Airygeneral soil map unit is in this section. The Pigeon Hillscrest at about 900 feet, and the highest peak is 1,021feet. Metabasalt, quartzite, and phyllite bedrockunderlie the Pigeon Hills. The Edgemont-Highfield-Catoctin general soil map unit is in the Pigeon Hills.

The Conestoga Valley section of the Piedmontprovince, which takes in about 4 percent of the county,is in the southeastern part of the county, north of thePiedmont Upland section. It extends from Hanover andMidway at the York and Adams County line westwardto Littletown. This section has undulating, low uplandsat an elevation of 500 to 600 feet. The South Branch

Conewago Creek is the major stream. Limestonebedrock dominantly underlies this section. TheConestoga-Clarksburg-Penlaw general soil map unit isin this section.

The Triassic Lowland section of the Piedmontprovince, which takes in about 67 percent of thecounty, occupies all the county south and east ofSouth Mountain and west and north of the ConestogaValley section. This section consists of undulating androlling lowlands and many higher hills and ridges. Theelevation is dominantly 500 to 600 feet, but ridges andhills crest at 700 to 1,000 feet. The area is drained bythe Conewago, South Branch Conewago, Rock, Plum,Bermudian, and Marsh Creeks and their tributaries. Thelow uplands are underlain dominantly by red shale,sandstone, and conglomerate bedrock. The Penn-Klinesville-Croton and Penn-Abbottstown-Readingtongeneral soil map units are in this section. The hills andridges are underlain dominantly by diabase,metamorphosed shale and sandstone, andconglomerate bedrock. The Lehigh-Neshaminy and theHighfield-Arendtsville-Rohrersville general soil mapunits are in this section.

The South Mountain section of the Blue Ridgeprovince takes in about 26 percent of the county. Ahighly dissected area that is 1 to 7 miles wideextending along the western and northern boundariesof the county, it is on hilly uplands. The ridges and hillscrest at an elevation of 1,200 to 2,000 feet. Among themany streams that drain the area are Middle, Toms,Bermudian, Latimore, Birch, Carbaugh, and Antietam

Figure 2.—Gettysburg National Military Park. Little Round Top is on the far left and Round Top is on the right.

14 Soil Survey

Creeks. The South Mountain section is underlain byquartzite, metabasalt, and metarhyolite bedrock. TheEdgemont-Highfield-Catoctin and Highfield-Arendtsville-Rohrersville general soil map units are in this section.

Mineral Resources

Mineral resources have greatly influenced thedevelopment of Adams County. The dominant materialsare limestone, slate, iron, clay, sand, and stone.Currently, quarrying of limestone, metabasalt(greenstone), and shale is the major industry.

Limestone was first used for building purposes,burned for lime, and used as flux for the local ironfurnaces. Small, abandoned quarries dug for limeburning and building stone are scattered throughout thelimestone areas. Large quarries were opened betweenHanover and New Oxford, between Orrtanna andFairfield, between Yellow Ridge and Wolf Hill, and atYork Springs (Stose, 1932). At this time, quarrying isdominantly at Bittinger and near Fairfield. Most of thelimestone is used as flux for the iron industry or it iscrushed, screened, and sized for road building.

The few slate quarries are all now abandoned. Slatequarried on the south slope of Piney Mountain nearWenksville was used to line the furnace at Pine Grove.Some slate was also quarried near Virginia Mills,Mount Hope, and Bridgeport.

Iron mining to supply the local iron industry duringthe early 1800’s was abandoned in 1870. For a shorttime copper was mined near Hunterstown and StoneJug.

Clay and clay shale used in making bricks and tileare extracted southeast of New Oxford. White paperclay was mined near South Mountain for use as filler inpaper and paint.

Greenstone, often called “ironstone” or “Gettysburggranite,” metarhyolite, and metabasalt, are quarriednear Gladhill. There it is crushed and used as roofinggranules and as filler in composition stone and flooring.

Climate

The National Climatic Center, Asheville, North Carolina, helpedto prepare this section.

Adams County is rather cold in the winter and hot insummer. Winter precipitation frequently occurs on mostsoils, results in a good accumulation of soil moistureby spring, and minimizes drought in summer. Normalannual precipitation is adequate for all crops that areadapted to the temperature and length of growingseason in the area.

Table 1 gives data on temperature and precipitationfor the survey area as recorded at Harrisburg,

Pennsylvania, in the period 1951-88. Table 2 showsprobable dates of the first freeze in fall and the lastfreeze in spring. Table 3 provides data on length of thegrowing season.

In winter, the average temperature is 23 degrees.The lowest temperature on record, which occurred atHarrisburg, Pennsylvania, on January 17, 1985, is -11degrees. In summer, the average temperature is 73degrees, and the average daily maximum temperatureis 84 degrees. The highest recorded temperature, whichoccurred at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1966,is 102 degrees.

Growing degree days are shown in table 1. They areequivalent to “heat units.” During the month, growingdegree days accumulate by the amount that theaverage temperature each day exceeds a basetemperature (40 degrees F). The normal monthlyaccumulation is used to schedule single or successiveplantings of a crop between the last freeze in springand the first freeze in fall.

Of the total annual precipitation, about 22 inches, or50 percent, usually falls in April through September.The growing season for most crops falls within thisperiod. In 2 years out of 10, the rainfall in April throughSeptember is less than 18 inches. The heaviest 1-dayrainfall during the period of record was 5.75 inches atGettysburg on June 22, 1972. Thunderstorms occur onabout 32 days each year, and most occur in summer.

The average seasonal snowfall is 28 inches. Thegreatest snow depth at any one time during the periodof record was 23 inches. On the average, 14 days ofthe year have at least 1 inch of snow on the ground.The number of such days varies greatly from year toyear.

The average relative humidity in midafternoon isabout 50 percent. Humidity is higher at night and theaverage at dawn is about 70 percent. The sun shines60 percent of the time possible in summer and 50percent in winter. The prevailing wind is from the west-northwest. The average highest wind speed is 10 milesper hour, in summer.

How This Survey Was Made

This survey was made to provide information aboutthe soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area.The information includes a description of the soils andmiscellaneous areas and their location and adiscussion of their suitability, limitations, andmanagement for specified uses. Soil scientistsobserved the steepness, length, and shape of theslopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds ofcrops and native plants; and the kinds of bedrock. Theydug many holes to study the soil profile, which is the

Adams County, Pennsylvania 15

sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil. Theprofile extends from the surface down into theunconsolidated material in which the soil formed. Theunconsolidated material is devoid of roots and otherliving organisms and has not been changed by otherbiological activity.

The soils and miscellaneous areas in the surveyarea are in an orderly pattern that is related to thegeology, landforms, relief, climate, and naturalvegetation of the area. Each kind of soil andmiscellaneous area is associated with a particular kindof landform or with a segment of the landform. Byobserving the soils and miscellaneous areas in thesurvey area and relating their position to specificsegments of the landform, a soil scientist develops aconcept or model of how they were formed. Thus,during mapping, this model enables the soil scientist topredict with a considerable degree of accuracy the kindof soil or miscellaneous area at a specific location onthe landscape.

Commonly, individual soils on the landscape mergeinto one another as their characteristics graduallychange. To construct an accurate soil map, however,soil scientists must determine the boundaries betweenthe soils. They can observe only a limited number ofsoil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations,supplemented by an understanding of the soil-vegetation-landscape relationship, are sufficient toverify predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and todetermine the boundaries.

Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of thesoil profiles that they studied. They noted soil color,texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind andamount of rock fragments, distribution of plant roots,reaction, and other features that enable them toidentify soils. After describing the soils in the surveyarea and determining their properties, the soilscientists assigned the soils to taxonomic classes(units). Taxonomic classes are concepts. Eachtaxonomic class has a set of soil characteristics withprecisely defined limits. The classes are used as abasis for comparison to classify soils systematically.Soil taxonomy, the system of taxonomic classificationused in the United States, is based mainly on the kindand character of soil properties and the arrangement ofhorizons within the profile. After the soil scientistsclassified and named the soils in the survey area, theycompared the individual soils with similar soils in thesame taxonomic class in other areas so that theycould confirm data and assemble additional data basedon experience and research.

While a soil survey is in progress, samples of someof the soils in the area generally are collected forlaboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soil

scientists interpret the data from these analyses andtests as well as the field-observed characteristics andthe soil properties to determine the expected behaviorof the soils under different uses. Interpretations for allof the soils are field tested through observation of thesoils in different uses and under different levels ofmanagement. Some interpretations are modified to fitlocal conditions, and some new interpretations aredeveloped to meet local needs. Data are assembledfrom other sources, such as research information,production records, and field experience of specialists.For example, data on crop yields under defined levelsof management are assembled from farm records andfrom field or plot experiments on the same kinds ofsoil.

Predictions about soil behavior are based not onlyon soil properties but also on such variables as climateand biological activity. Soil conditions are predictableover long periods of time, but they are not predictablefrom year to year. For example, soil scientists canpredict with a fairly high degree of accuracy that agiven soil will have a high water table within certaindepths in most years, but they cannot predict that ahigh water table will always be at a specific level in thesoil on a specific date.

After soil scientists located and identified thesignificant natural bodies of soil in the survey area,they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerialphotographs and identified each as a specific map unit.Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields, roads,and rivers, all of which help in locating boundariesaccurately.

Map Unit Composition

A map unit delineation on a soil map represents anarea dominated by one major kind of soil or an areadominated by several kinds of soil. A map unit isidentified and named according to the taxonomicclassification of the dominant soil or soils. Within ataxonomic class there are precisely defined limits forthe properties of the soils. On the landscape, however,the soils are natural objects. In common with othernatural objects, they have a characteristic variability intheir properties. Thus, the range of some observedproperties may extend beyond the limits defined for ataxonomic class. Areas of soils of a single taxonomicclass rarely, if ever, can be mapped without includingareas of soil of other taxonomic classes.Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soil orsoils for which it is named and some soils that belongto other taxonomic classes. These latter soils arecalled inclusions or included soils.

Most inclusions have properties and behavioral

16 Soil Survey

patterns similar to those of the dominant soil or soils inthe map unit, and thus they do not affect use andmanagement. These are called non-contrasting (similar)inclusions. They may or may not be mentioned in themap unit descriptions. Other inclusions, however, haveproperties and behavior divergent enough to affect useor require different management. These are contrasting(dissimilar) inclusions. They generally occupy smallareas and cannot be shown separately on the soilmaps because of the scale used in mapping. Theinclusions of contrasting soils are named andmentioned in the map unit descriptions. A fewinclusions may not have been observed andconsequently are not mentioned in the map unit

descriptions, especially where the soil pattern was socomplex that it was impractical to make enoughobservations to identify all of the kinds of soil on thelandscape.

The presence of inclusions in a map unit in no waydiminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the soil data.The objective of soil mapping is not to delineate puretaxonomic classes of soils but rather to separate thelandscape into segments that have similar use andmanagement requirements. The delineation of suchlandscape segments on the map provides sufficientinformation for the development of resource plans, butonsite investigation is needed to plan for intensiveuses in small areas.

17

General Soil Map Units

The general soil map in this publication shows thesoil associations in this survey area. Each associationhas a distinctive pattern of soils, relief, and drainage.Each map unit on the general soil map is a uniquenatural landscape. Typically, an association consists ofone or more major soils or miscellaneous areas andsome minor soils or miscellaneous areas. It is namedfor the major soils or miscellaneous areas. Thecomponents of one unit can occur in another but in adifferent pattern.

The general soil map can be used to compare thesuitability of large areas for general land uses. Areas ofsuitable soils can be identified on the map. Likewise,areas where the soils are not suitable can be identified.

Because of its small scale, the map is not suitablefor planning the management of a farm or field or forselecting a site for a road or building or other structure.The soils in any one map unit differ from place to placein slope, depth, drainage, and other characteristics thataffect management.

Soil Descriptions

1. Penn-Klinesville-Croton

Nearly level to very steep, shallow to deep, welldrained, somewhat excessively drained and poorlydrained soils that formed in residuum derived from redshale, siltstone, and fine-grained sandstone; on short,steep ridges, hills, and nearly level lowlands

These soils are on highly dissected uplands andassociated drainageways. The landscape is dominantlyundulating to rolling and has some short, steep ridges;hills; and nearly level to gently rolling lowlands (fig. 3).

This map unit makes up about 26 percent of thecounty. It is about 35 percent Penn soils, 25 percentKlinesville soils, 20 percent Croton soils, and 20percent minor soils.

Penn soils are gently sloping and strongly sloping.They are on broad to narrow ridgetops and on the sidesof ridges. They are underlain by red shale, siltstone,and fine-grained sandstone at a depth of 20 to 40inches. They are moderately deep and well drained.

Klinesville soils are gently sloping to very steep.They are on ridges and hills. They are underlain by red

shale, siltstone, and fine-grained sandstone at a depthof 10 to 20 inches. They are shallow and somewhatexcessively drained.

Croton soils are nearly level and gently sloping.They are in depressions on lowlands and indrainageways. These soils are underlain by dominantlyred shale, siltstone, and fine-grained sandstone at adepth of 40 to 60 inches. They are deep and poorlydrained.

Minor soils in the map unit are moderately welldrained Readington and Reaville soils in shallowdepressions and along drainageways and somewhatpoorly drained Abbottstown soils on slight rises ofuplands. Moderately well drained Rowland soils are onbottom lands. A few small areas of Urban land arescattered throughout.

Most areas of this map unit are used as cropland orwoodland. Some areas are used for urbandevelopment. A few areas are idle. The major crops arecorn, soybeans, small grain, hay, and pasture. Erosionis the main hazard if cultivated crops are grown.

The soils of this map unit are well suited to poorlysuited to cultivated crops and specialty crops. They arewell suited to hayland, pasture, and woodland. On Pennsoils, depth to bedrock and slope are severe limitationsfor onsite waste disposal. Slope is a moderatelimitation to use of the soils in this map unit for urbandevelopment. On Klinesville soils, depth to bedrockand slope are severe limitations for onsite wastedisposal and most urban development. On Crotonsoils, wetness and very slow and slow permeability aresevere limitations for onsite waste disposal and urbandevelopment. Penn and Klinesville soils are well suitedand Croton soils are poorly suited to the more intensivetypes of recreational development.

2. Lehigh-Neshaminy

Nearly level to very steep, deep and very deep,somewhat poorly drained and well drained soils thatformed in residuum derived from porcelanite anddiabase; on undulating to rolling ridges and hills

These soils are dominantly in elongated or roundedareas adjacent to lowlands (fig. 4).

18 Soil Survey

This map unit makes up about 20 percent of thecounty. It is about 55 percent Lehigh soils, 30 percentNeshaminy soils, and 15 percent minor soils.

Lehigh soils are nearly level to strongly sloping.They are on ridgetops and side slopes. They arechannery throughout. They are underlain by porcelanitebedrock at a depth of 40 to 60 inches. They are deepand somewhat poorly drained.

Neshaminy soils are gently sloping to very steep.They are on ridges and hills. They are underlain bydiabase bedrock at a depth of 5 feet or more. They arevery deep and well drained.

Minor soils in this map unit are well drainedBrecknock and Penn soils on broad ridgetops andsomewhat poorly drained Mount Lucas soils andpoorly drained Croton and Watchung soils indepressions and in drainageways on lowlands. A fewsmall areas of Urban land are scattered aroundGettysburg.

Most areas of this map unit are used as cropland,pasture, orchards, woodland, or recreation areas, but

some areas are in urban use. The Gettysburg NationalBattlefield is dominantly in this map unit. The majorcrops are corn, soybeans, small grain, fruit, hay, andpasture. Slope is the major limitation, and erosion isthe major hazard.

The soils of this map unit are well suited togenerally unsuited to cultivated crops and specialtycrops. They are fairly well suited to improved pasture.Erosion is a severe hazard; thus, growing hay crops onthe steeper slopes is impractical. These soils aresuited to use as woodland. The steeper slopes,however, restrict the use of logging roads and skidtrails.

Neshaminy soils are generally unsuited to urbanuses because slope is a severe limitation. On Lehighsoils, depth to bedrock and wetness are severelimitations to urban development and onsite wastedisposal. Neshaminy and Lehigh soils are poorly suitedto the more intensive types of recreationaldevelopment because of slope and wetness,respectively.

Figure 3.—Typical pattern of soils and parent material on the Penn-Klinesville-Croton general soil map unit.

Adams County, Pennsylvania 19

3. Edgemont-Highfield-Catoctin

Gently sloping to very steep, very deep to moderatelydeep, well drained and somewhat excessively drainedsoils that formed in residuum derived from quartzite,metabasalt, and metarhyolite; on ridges and hills ofSouth Mountain

The landscape is dominantly rolling and hilly, and,on South Mountain, has narrow, undulating ridgetops(fig. 5).

This map unit makes up about 19 percent of thecounty. It is about 40 percent Edgemont soils, 30percent Highfield soils, 20 percent Catoctin soils, and10 percent minor soils.

Edgemont soils are channery and generally verystony. They are underlain by quartzite andconglomerate at a depth of 5 feet or more. These soilsare very deep and well drained.

Highfield soils are channery. They are underlain bymetabasalt and metarhyolite at a depth of 40 to 60inches. They are deep and well drained.

Catoctin soils are channery. Generally, they areextremely stony. They are underlain by metabasalt andmetarhyolite at a depth of 20 to 40 inches. These soilsare moderately deep and somewhat excessivelydrained.

The minor soils in the map unit are well drainedMyersville, Ravenrock, and Mt. Zion soils on ridgesbelow Edgemont, Highfield, and Catoctin soils,somewhat poorly drained Rohrersville and Buchanansoils on footslopes and in depressions anddrainageways, and moderately well drained Codorussoils on bottom lands.

Most areas of this map unit are woodland. Someareas on some footslopes are used as cropland ororchards. Part of South Mountain is in Michaux StateForest. A few urban developments and towns arescattered along major roads and on some ridgetopsand footslopes in this unit. Trees for pulpwood andlumber are the major crop. Fruit, corn, soybeans,small grain, hay, and pasture are grown in a fewareas.

The soils of this map unit are either well suited orgenerally suited or they are unsuited to cultivatedcrops and specialty crops. They are fairly well suited toimproved pasture. Growing hay crops is impractical onthe steeper slopes because erosion is a severe hazard.These soils are suited to use as woodland and wildlifehabitat. The steeper slopes, however, restrict the useof logging roads and skid trails. These soils generallyare unsuited to urban uses because slope, rockfragments in the soil, and depth to bedrock are severelimitations, and are difficult to overcome. They arepoorly suited to the more intensive types ofrecreational development because of slope.

4. Highfield-Arendtsville-Rohrersville

Gently sloping to moderately steep, deep and verydeep, well drained soils that formed in residuumderived from metabasalt, metarhyolite, andconglomerate; on footslopes of South Mountain

These soils are on footslopes of South Mountain.The landscape is dominantly undulating and rolling, butsome parts are hilly (fig. 6).

This map unit makes up about 12 percent of thecounty. It is about 55 percent Highfield soils, 25

Figure 4.—Typical pattern of soils and parent material on the Lehigh-Neshaminy general soil map unit.

20 Soil Survey

percent Arendtsville soils, 10 percent Rohrersvillesoils, and 10 percent minor soils.

Highfield soils are channery. They are underlain bymetabasalt and metarhyolite at a depth of 40 to 60inches.

Arendtsville soils are gravelly and generally verystony. They are underlain by quartzite, metabasalt, andmetarhyolite at a depth of 5 feet or more.

Rohrersville soils are silty and in wooded areas arevery stony. They are underlain by metabasalt andmetaandesite at a depth of more than 6 feet.

Minor soils in the map unit are somewhatexcessively drained Catoctin soils on sides of ridgesand hills above Arendtsville soils; well drained Legoreand Penn soils on broader ridgetops below Highfieldsoils; moderately well drained Readington soils,somewhat poorly drained Abbottstown soils, and poorlydrained Croton soils in depressions and drainagewayson lowlands. Moderately well drained Codorus andRowland soils, somewhat poorly drained Bowmansvillesoils, and poorly drained Hatboro soils are on bottomlands.

Most areas of this map unit are used as orchards,cropland, or woodland. The major cash crops aretimber, apples, cherries, peaches, corn, soybeans,small grain, hay, and pasture. Urban developments arescattered along the major roads in the area.

The soils of this map unit, depending on slope, arewell suited or generally unsuited to cultivated cropsand specialty crops. They are fairly well suited toimproved pasture. On the steeper slopes erosion is asevere hazard and growing hay crops is impractical.The soils are suited to use as woodland. The steeperslopes, however, restrict use of logging roads and skidtrails. The soils are suited to use as wildlife habitat.

These soils generally are unsuited to urban usesbecause slope, rock fragments in the soils, and depthto bedrock are severe limitations, and are difficult toovercome. Suitability of these soils for the moreintensive types of recreational development is poorbecause of slope.

5. Penn-Abbottstown-Readington

Nearly level to strongly sloping, moderately deep anddeep, well drained to somewhat poorly drained soilsthat formed in residuum derived from shale, siltstone,and sandstone; on broad, dissected uplands

These soils are on broad, dissected uplands. Thelandscape is dominantly nearly level to rolling but hasmany depressions and drainageways and some lowridges that have steep side slopes.

This map unit makes up about 14 percent of thecounty. It is about 40 percent Penn soils, 25 percentAbbottstown soils, 20 percent Readington soils, and 15percent minor soils.

Penn soils are gently sloping and strongly sloping.They are on broad to narrow ridgetops and on the sidesof ridges. They are underlain by red shale, siltstone,and sandstone at a depth of 20 to 40 inches. They aremoderately deep and well drained.

Abbottstown soils are nearly level and gentlysloping. They are on broad ridgetops, depressions, anddrainageways. They are underlain by red shale,siltstone, and fine-grained sandstone at a depth of 40to 60 inches. They are deep and somewhat poorlydrained.

Readington soils are nearly level and gently sloping.They are on broad ridgetops, in depressions, and along

Figure 5.—Typical pattern of soils and parent material on the Edgemont-Highfield-Catoctin general soil map unit.

Adams County, Pennsylvania 21

drainageways. They are underlain by dominantly redshale, siltstone, and sandstone at a depth of 40 to 60inches. They are deep and moderately well drained.

Minor soils in the map unit are somewhatexcessively drained Klinesville soils and well drainedLansdale and Steinsburg soils on highly dissectedridges and hills and moderately well drained Reavillesoils and poorly drained Croton soils in depressionsand drainageways on lowlands. Well drained Bermudiansoils, moderately well drained Rowland soils, andsomewhat poorly drained Bowmansville soils are onbottom lands.

Most areas of this map unit are used for crops, hay,and pasture; some areas are used for urbandevelopment; and a few areas remain in woodland use.A few small areas of urban land are scatteredthroughout. The major crops are corn, soybeans, smallgrain, hay, and pasture. Erosion is the main hazard inareas where cultivated crops are grown.

The soils of this map unit are well suited to poorlysuited to cultivated crops and specialty crops. They arewell suited to hay, pasture, and woodland. On Pennsoils, depth to bedrock is a severe limitation for onsitewaste disposal. These soils are fairly well suited tomost urban developments, but depth to bedrock andslope are limitations. On Abbottstown and Readingtonsoils, wetness is a severe limitation for onsite wastedisposal and urban development. Penn soils are fairly

well suited to the more intensive types of recreationaldevelopment.

6. Conestoga-Clarksburg-Penlaw

Nearly level to strongly sloping, very deep, well drainedto somewhat poorly drained soils that formed inresiduum derived from limestone and calcareousschist; on valley ridges

These soils are on nearly level to rolling uplands, onlowlands, and in drainageways. The landscape isundulating and has a few low ridges.

This map unit makes up about 5 percent of thecounty. It is about 45 percent Conestoga soils, 20percent Clarksburg soils, 20 percent Penlaw soils, and15 percent minor soils.

Conestoga soils are nearly level to strongly sloping.They are on smooth and undulating uplands. Thesesoils are underlain by limestone and calcareous schistbedrock at a depth of 5 feet or more. They are verydeep and well drained.

Clarksburg soils are nearly level to gently sloping.They are in depressions on lowlands. These soilsare underlain by limestone bedrock at a depth of5 feet or more. They are very deep and moderatelywell drained.

Penlaw soils are nearly level. They are indepressions and drainageways on lowlands.

Figure 6.—Typical landscape of the Highfield-Arendtsville-Rohrersville general soil map unit. Arendtsville soils extend from theforeground to Highfield soils on hills in the background. Croton soils are in drainageways.

22 Soil Survey

They are underlain by limestone, schist, shale,and sandstone at a depth of 5 feet or more.They are very deep and somewhat poorlydrained.

Minor soils in the map unit are moderately welldrained Glenelg and Penn soils on ridges and hillssimilar to those of Clarksburg soils and moderatelywell drained Readington and Abbottstown soilson broad ridgetops and in depressions anddrainageways on lowlands. Lindside andDunning soils are on bottom lands. A largearea of Pits, quarries, is near Bittinger. Urbanland is in the vicinity of Littlestown andMcSherrystown.

Most areas of soils in the map unit are cropland orpasture. Pasture for race horses is an important use. Afew ridges are used as woodland. The major cashcrops are corn, soybeans, small grain, hay, andpasture. Conestoga soils are fairly well suited to onsitewaste disposal and most urban developments;moderate permeability and slope are limitations. OnClarksburg and Penlaw soils, wetness is a severelimitation to onsite waste disposal and urban

development. Suitability is good for the moreintensive type of recreational developmenton Conestoga soils and, because of wetness,fair on Clarksburg soils and very limited on Penlawsoils.

7. Glenelg-Mt. Airy

Gently sloping to moderately steep, moderatelydeep and deep, well drained and somewhatexcessively drained soils that formed inresiduum derived from schist and phyllite;on ridges and hills

These soils are on dissected uplands and indepressions and drainageways. The landscape isundulating to rolling, but some areas are hilly andmoderately steep (fig. 7).

This map unit makes up about 3 percent ofthe county. It is about 55 percent Glenelg soils,35 percent Mt. Airy soils, and 10 percent minorsoils.

Glenelg soils are gently sloping to moderately steep.They are on narrow ridgetops and on side slopes. They

Figure 7.—Typical pattern of soils and parent material on the Glenelg-Mt. Airy general soil map unit.

Colluvium

Colluvium

Schist

AlluviumColluvium

Schist

Mt. Airy andManor

Mt. Airyand

Manor

Mt. Airy and Manor

GlenelgGlenelg

Glenelg

GlenelgBaile

Codorus

Glenville

Glenville

Glenville

Glenelg

Mt. Airyand

ManorMt. Airyand

Manor

Adams County, Pennsylvania 23

are underlain by schist and phyllite bedrock at a depthof 40 to 60 inches. They are deep and well drained.

Mt. Airy soils are gently sloping to moderately steep.They are on ridges and hills and on narrow side slopes.They are channery throughout. They are underlain byschist and phyllite bedrock at a depth 20 to 40 inches.They are moderately deep and somewhat excessivelydrained.

Minor soils in the map unit are somewhatexcessively drained Manor soils on narrow ridges andhills and moderately well drained Glenville soils andpoorly drained Baile soils on lowlands. Moderately welldrained Codorus soils are on bottom lands.

Most areas of this map unit are cropland,pasture, or woodland, but some areas are usedfor urban development or recreation. The major cropsare corn, soybeans, small grain, hay, and pasture.Slope is the major limitation; erosion is the majorhazard.

The soils of this map unit are either well suited orgenerally suited or they are unsuited to cultivatedcrops and specialty crops. They are fairly well suitedto improved pasture. Erosion is a severe hazardon the steeper slopes, and growing hay crops isimpractical. This soil is suited to use as woodland.The steeper slopes, however, restrict use of loggingroads and skid trails. The soils generally are unsuitedto urban uses because slope and depth to bedrockare severe limitations and are difficult toovercome. The soils are poorly suited to the moreintensive types of recreational development because ofslope.

8. Athol-Penlaw-Clarksburg

Nearly level to strongly sloping, very deep, well drainedto somewhat poorly drained soils that formed inresiduum derived from limestone and limestoneconglomerate; on uplands

These soils are on dissected uplands, onlowlands, and in drainageways. The landscapeis dominantly nearly level to rolling.

This map unit makes up about 1 percent of the

county. It is about 45 percent Athol soils, 25 percentPenlaw soils, 20 percent Clarksburg soils, and 10percent minor soils.

Athol soils are nearly level to strongly sloping.They are on dissected uplands. They are underlainby quartz, sandstone, and shale bedrock at a depthof 5 feet or more. They are very deep and welldrained.

Penlaw soils are nearly level. They are on lowlandsand in depressions and drainageways. They areunderlain by limestone, schist, shale, and sandstone ata depth of 5 feet or more. They are very deep andsomewhat poorly drained.

Clarksburg soils are nearly level and gently sloping.They are on lowlands and in depressions. They areunderlain by limestone bedrock at a depth of 5 feetor more. They are very deep and moderately welldrained.

Minor soils in the map unit are well drainedHighfield, Myersville, and Penn soils on highlydissected ridges and hills and moderately welldrained Readington and Buchanan soils onlowlands. Moderately well drained Lindside soilsand very poorly drained Dunning soils are onbottom lands.

Most areas of this map unit are used as cropland,pasture, or orchards. The major crops are corn,soybeans, small grain, apples, peaches, and pasture.Erosion is the main hazard if cultivated crops aregrown.

The soils of this map unit are well suited topoorly suited to cultivated crops and specialtycrops. They are well suited to hay, pasture, andwoodland. Many dairy farms in the county are onthese soils. On Athol soils, suitability for onsitewaste disposal and most urban development is fair,because moderate permeability and slope arelimitations.

On Clarksburg and Penlaw soils, wetness is asevere limitation for onsite waste disposal andurban development. Suitability is good for themore intensive type of recreational developmenton Athol soils and fair on Clarksburg and Penlawsoils.

25

The map units delineated on the detailed soil mapsin this survey represent the soils or miscellaneousareas in the survey area. The map unit descriptions inthis section, along with the maps, can be used todetermine the suitability and potential of a unit forspecific uses. They also can be used to plan themanagement needed for those uses.

A map unit delineation on a soil map represents anarea dominated by one or more major kinds of soil ormiscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified andnamed according to the taxonomic classification of thedominant soils. Within a taxonomic class there areprecisely defined limits for the properties of the soils.On the landscape, however, the soils are naturalphenomena, and they have the characteristic variabilityof all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of someobserved properties may extend beyond the limitsdefined for a taxonomic class. Areas of soils of asingle taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mappedwithout including areas of other taxonomic classes.Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soilsor miscellaneous areas for which it is named and someminor components that belong to taxonomic classesother than those of the major soils.

Most minor soils have properties similar to those ofthe dominant soil or soils in the map unit, and thusthey do not affect use and management. These arecalled noncontrasting, or similar, components. Theymay or may not be mentioned in a particular map unitdescription. Other minor components, however, haveproperties and behavioral characteristics divergentenough to affect use or to require differentmanagement. These are called contrasting, ordissimilar, components. They generally are in smallareas and could not be mapped separately because ofthe scale used. Some small areas of stronglycontrasting soils or miscellaneous areas are identifiedby a special symbol on the maps. The contrastingcomponents are mentioned in the map unitdescriptions. A few areas of minor components maynot have been observed, and consequently they arenot mentioned in the descriptions, especially where thepattern was so complex that it was impractical to makeenough observations to identify all the soils andmiscellaneous areas on the landscape.

The presence of minor components in a map unit inno way diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of thedata. The objective of mapping is not to delineate puretaxonomic classes but rather to separate thelandscape into landforms or landform segments thathave similar use and management requirements. Thedelineation of such segments on the map providessufficient information for the development of resourceplans. If intensive use of small areas is planned,however, onsite investigation is needed to define andlocate the soils and miscellaneous areas.

An identifying symbol precedes the map unit namein the map unit descriptions. Each description includesgeneral facts about the unit and gives the principalhazards and limitations to be considered in planning forspecific uses.

Soils that have profiles that are almost alike makeup a soil series. Except for differences in texture of thesurface layer, all the soils of a series have majorhorizons that are similar in composition, thickness, andarrangement.

Soils of one series can differ in texture of thesurface layer, slope, stoniness, salinity, degree oferosion, and other characteristics that affect their use.On the basis of such differences, a soil series isdivided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown onthe detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. Thename of a soil phase commonly indicates a featurethat affects use or management. For example,Conestoga silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, is a phaseof the Conestoga series.

Some map units are made up of two or more majorsoils or miscellaneous areas. These map units arecomplexes or undifferentiated groups.

A complex consists of two or more soils ormiscellaneous areas in such an intricate pattern or insuch small areas that they cannot be shown separatelyon the maps. The pattern and proportion of the soils ormiscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in all areas.Penn-Klinesville channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percentslopes, is an example.

An undifferentiated group is made up of two or moresoils or miscellaneous areas that could be mappedindividually but are mapped as one unit becausesimilar interpretations can be made for use and

Detailed Soil Map Units

26 Soil Survey

management. The pattern and proportion of the soils ormiscellaneous areas in a mapped area are not uniform.An area can be made up of only one of the major soilsor miscellaneous areas, or it can be made up of all ofthem. Highfield, Catoctin, and Myersville soils, 8 to 25percent slopes, very stony, is an undifferentiated groupin this survey area.

Most map units include small scattered areas ofsoils other than those for which the map unit is named.Some of these included soils have properties thatdiffer substantially from those of the major soil or soils.Such differences could significantly affect use andmanagement of the soils in the map unit. Thesedissimilar soils are described in each map unit. Also,some of the more unusual or strongly contrasting soilsare identified by a special symbol on the soil maps.

This survey includes some miscellaneous areas.Such areas have little or no soil material and supportlittle or no vegetation. Pits, quarries, is an example.Some miscellaneous areas are large enough to bedelineated on the soil map. Some that are too small tobe delineated are identified by a special symbol on thesoil maps.

The name, descriptions, and delineations of soils onthe detailed soil maps of Adams County do not alwaysagree or join fully with those of the soils identified onthe maps of adjoining counties published at an earlierdate. Some differences are the result of changes inconcepts of soil series. Other differences result fromvariations in the extent of the soils. Others are theresult of variations in the slope range allowed in themap units of adjoining counties.

Table 4 gives the acreage and proportionate extentof each map unit. Other tables give properties of thesoils and the limitations, capabilities, and potentials formany uses. The Glossary defines many of the termsused in describing the soils or miscellaneous areas.

Soil Descriptions

AbA—Abbottstown silt loam, 0 to 3percent slopes

This is a nearly level, deep, somewhat poorlydrained soil on broad uplands and in depressions anddrainageways. Slopes are smooth or concave. Areas ofthis soil are irregular or long and narrow in shape, andrange from 5 to 100 acres in size.

Typically, the surface layer is dark reddish gray,friable silt loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil isabout 30 inches thick. In the upper 5 inches it isreddish brown, mottled, friable silty clay loam. In thenext 5 inches it is reddish gray, mottled, firm silty clay

loam. In the next 5 inches it is weak red, mottled, veryfirm silty clay loam. In the lower 15 inches it is weakred, mottled, very firm and brittle silt loam andchannery silt loam. The substratum, to a depth of 45inches, is weak red, firm extremely channery silt loam.Weak red sandstone bedrock is at a depth of 45inches. In some areas this soil is gently sloping. Insome areas it does not have a fragipan, and in otherareas it is not as red throughout.

Included with this soil in mapping are a few, small,scattered areas of shallow, excessively drainedKlinesville soils on narrow, elongated ridges and onsides of ridges and well drained Penn soils on broadridges and hills above the Abbottstown soil. Alsoincluded are a few areas of moderately well drained,deep Readington soils and moderately deep Reavillesoils in positions on the landscape similar to those ofthe Abbottstown soil. Also included are some smallareas of poorly drained Croton soils on low-lying risesslightly above bottom lands. Included soils make upabout 15 percent of the map unit.

Permeability is moderate in the solum above thefragipan, slow in the fragipan, and moderately slow orslow in the substratum. The available water capacity ismoderate, and surface runoff is very high. Theseasonal high water table is at a depth of 6 to 18inches. The fragipan is at a depth of 15 to 30 inches. Inunlimed areas this soil is extremely acid to stronglyacid in the upper part of the solum and strongly acid toslightly acid in the lower part and in the substratum.The seasonal high water table and fragipan restrict rootpenetration.

Most areas of this soil are used as cropland orpasture. Some areas are used as woodland or are idleland. A few areas are in urban development.

This soil is fairly well suited to corn, soybeans,small grain, and most specialty crops. The mainlimitation is the seasonal high water table, whichinterferes with seeding and harvesting of some crops.Existing subsurface drains allow timely tillage. Leavingstubble on the surface and adding other organicmaterial help to conserve moisture. Crop residuemanagement, cover crops, and green manure cropshelp to maintain organic matter content and to improvesoil tilth.

This soil is well suited to pasture. Fall-sown grassesand legumes are subject to losses over winter becauseof frost heaving and wetness. Overgrazing or grazingwhen the soil is wet, however, can damage the sod,reduces plant density and forage yields, and causessurface compaction, poor tilth, and increased surfacerunoff. Proper stocking rates to maintain key plantspecies, pasture rotation, timely deferment of grazing,application of fertilizers, and restricted use during wet

Adams County, Pennsylvania 27

periods, help to keep the pasture and the soil in goodcondition.

Potential productivity for trees on this soil ismoderately high. Water-tolerant species are favored intimber stands. The equipment limitation is the mainmanagement concern. The high water table restrictsuse of equipment to midsummer, when the soil is dry,or to midwinter, when the soil is frozen or has anadequate snow cover. Machine planting of trees ispractical in large areas.

Wetness and slow or moderately slow permeabilityare the main limitations of the soil for urban uses,especially as a site for septic tank absorption fields orbuildings. If buildings are constructed on this soil,installing foundation drains with proper outlets willprevent water from seeping into basements. The soil isseverely limited as a site for local roads and streets.Providing adequate side ditches and culverts helps toprevent the damage of wetness and frost action.

The land capability classification is 3w. Thewoodland ordination symbol is 4W.

AbB—Abbottstown silt loam, 3 to 8percent slopes

This is a gently sloping, deep, somewhat poorlydrained soil on broad uplands and in depressions anddrainageways. Slopes are smooth or concave. Areas ofthis soil are irregular or long and narrow in shape andrange from 5 to 100 acres in size.

Typically, the surface layer is dark reddish gray,friable silt loam about 10 inches thick. The subsoil isabout 30 inches thick. In the upper 5 inches it isreddish brown, mottled, friable silty clay loam. In thenext 5 inches it is reddish gray, mottled, firm silty clayloam. In the next 5 inches it is weak red, mottled, veryfirm silty clay loam. In the lower 15 inches it is weakred, mottled, firm and brittle silt loam and channery siltloam. The substratum, to a depth of 45 inches, is weakred, very firm extremely channery silt loam. Weak redsandstone bedrock is at a depth of 45 inches. In someareas this soil is nearly level. In some areas it does nothave a fragipan, and in other areas it is not as redthroughout.

Included with this soil in mapping are a few smallareas of shallow, excessively drained Klinesville soilson narrow, elongated ridges and on sides of ridges andwell drained Penn soils on broad ridges and hills abovethe Abbottstown soil. Also included are a few areas ofmoderately well drained, deep Readington soils andmoderately deep Reaville soils in positions on thelandscape similar to those of the Abbottstown soil.Also included are some small areas of poorly drainedCroton soils on low-lying rises slightly above bottom

lands. Included soils make up about 15 percent of themap unit.

Permeability of the Abbotstown soil is moderate inthe solum above the fragipan, slow in the fragipan, andmoderately slow or slow in the substratum. Availablewater capacity is moderate, and surface runoff is veryhigh. The seasonal high water table is at a depth of 6 to18 inches. The fragipan is at a depth of 15 to 30inches. In unlimed areas this soil is extremely acid tostrongly acid in the upper part of the solum andstrongly acid to slightly acid in the lower part and in thesubstratum. The seasonal high water table and thefragipan restrict root penetration.

Most areas of this soil are used as cropland orpasture. Some areas are used as woodland or for urbandevelopment.

This soil is fairly well suited to corn, soybeans,small grain, and most specialty crops. Erosion is themain hazard and the seasonal high water table is themain limitation if cultivated crops are grown. A croppingsequence that includes grasses and legumes, aconservation tillage system that leaves protectiveamounts of crop residue on the surface, diversions,contour farming, and grassed waterways help to reducesurface runoff and to control erosion. Cover crops andcrop residue management also help to control erosion,to maintain organic matter content, and to improve soiltilth. The seasonal high water table interferes withseeding and harvesting of some crops; however,existing subsurface drains allow timely tillage.

This soil is well suited to pasture. Fall-sown grassesand legumes are subject to losses over winter becauseof frost heaving and wetness. Growing grasses andlegumes is effective in controlling erosion. Overgrazingor grazing when the soil is wet, however, can damagethe sod, reduces plant density and forage yields, andcauses surface compaction, poor tilth, and increasedsurface runoff. Proper stocking rates to maintain keyplant species, pasture rotation, timely deferment ofgrazing, application of fertilizers, and restricted useduring wet periods help to keep the pasture and the soilin good condition.

Potential productivity for trees on this soil ismoderately high. Water-tolerant species are favored intimber stands. The equipment limitation is the mainmanagement concern. The high water table restrictsuse of equipment to midsummer, when the soil is dry,or to midwinter, when the soil is frozen or has anadequate snow cover. Machine planting of trees ispractical in large areas.

Wetness and slow or moderately slow permeabilityare the main limitations of the soil for urban uses,especially as a site for septic tank absorption fields orbuildings. If buildings are constructed on this soil,

28 Soil Survey

installing foundation drains with proper outlets willprevent seepage into basements. The soil is severelylimited as a site for local roads and streets. Providingadequate side ditches and culverts helps to preventthe damage of wetness and frost action.

The land capability classification is 3w. Thewoodland ordination symbol is 4W.

ArB—Arendtsville gravelly loam, 3 to 8percent slopes

This is a gently sloping, very deep, well drained soilon ridgetops. Slopes are smooth or convex. Areas areirregular in shape and range from 5 to 100 acres insize.

Typically, the surface layer is dark reddish brown,friable gravelly loam about 9 inches thick. The subsoilis about 44 inches thick. In the upper 7 inches it isreddish brown, friable gravelly loam. In the next 24inches it is dark reddish brown and dark red, friablegravelly sandy clay loam. In the lower 13 inches it isdark red, friable gravelly sandy loam. The substratumto a depth of 72 inches is reddish brown and weak red,friable gravelly sandy loam. In some areas the soil isnearly level and strongly sloping. In some areas itcontains more silt and clay. In some areas the subsoilis yellowish brown and brown. In other areas bedrock isat a depth of less than 60 inches.

Included with this soil in mapping, in depressions onbroad uplands, are a few scattered areas of deep,moderately well drained Readington soils that havegray mottles in the middle and lower parts of thesubsoil. Also included are a few gullied areas andareas where a few large sandstone fragments are onthe surface and in the soil. Included soils make upabout 15 percent of the map unit.

Permeability of the Arentsville soil is moderate ormoderately rapid. Available water capacity is moderate.Surface runoff is low. In unlimed areas this soil isextremely acid to moderately acid in the upper part ofthe solum and extremely acid to strongly acid in thelower part and in the substratum.

Most areas of this soil are used as orchards orwoodland. A few areas are used as cropland or pastureor are idle.

This soil is well suited to corn, soybeans, smallgrain, and most specialty crops. Erosion is the mainhazard if cultivated crops are grown. A croppingsequence that includes grasses and legumes, aconservation tillage system that leaves protectiveamounts of crop residue on the surface, diversions,contour farming, and grassed waterways help to reducesurface runoff and to control erosion. Cover crops andcrop residue management also help to control erosion,

to maintain organic matter content, and t