Alleghany 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 Alleghany County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chester loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watauga loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chester loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Watauga loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chandler silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chester stony loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes (evard) | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alluvial land, wet (nikwasi) | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fannin silt loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe stony fine sandy loam, 45 to 65 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porters stony loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chester loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chandler stony silt loam, 45 to 65 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tate loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Watauga stony loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watauga loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clifton stony loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe fine sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stony steep land | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porters stony loam, 45 to 65 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Codorus complex (Arkaqua) | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.