Beaufort County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
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.