Beaufort County, North Carolina

Survey Area NC013• North Carolina

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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 Beaufort County, North Carolina. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Water	82K			Not rated	Not rated
Tomotley fine sandy loam	48K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Roanoke fine sandy loam	44K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Leaf silt loam	44K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lenoir loam	33K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Portsmouth loam	33K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bayboro loam	31K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arapahoe fine sandy loam	22K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Muckalee loam, frequently flooded	21K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lynchburg fine sandy loam	19K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Atlantic Coast Flatwoods	19K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cape Fear fine sandy loam	17K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Augusta fine sandy loam	17K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Ponzer muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	15K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pantego loam	14K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Craven fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	13K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Goldsboro fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	12K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Croatan muck	11K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dare muck	10K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Torhunta sandy loam	9K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 84% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 84% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.