Alamance County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Alamance County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cullen clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 44K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Helena sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cullen clay loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cullen clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Helena sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vance sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Enon sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Enon clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cullen clay loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vance sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Riverview loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enon sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Cullen-Urban land complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vance sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Iredell loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mandale-Secrest complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enon sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 60% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.