Alexander 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 Alexander County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairview sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 44K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fairview sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, stony | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cowee-Saluda complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, stony | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Codorus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hibriten very cobbly sandy loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhodhiss sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine gravelly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rhodhiss sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes, stony | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowee-Saluda complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes, stony | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Braddock, Hayesville clay loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes and Moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhodhiss sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Braddock, Hayesville clay loams, 6 to 15 percent slopes and Moderately eroded | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Cleveland complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, stony | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dan River and Comus soils, 0 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford-Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 50% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 83% 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.