Catawba County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Catawba 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cecil sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clifford sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clifford sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lloyd loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fairview soils, 10 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tomlin loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pacolet soils, 10 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Pacolet clay loam, 10 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tomlin loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lloyd clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | 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 |
| Lloyd loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison-Bethlehem complex, 10 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Fairview complex, 10 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview gravelly fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 30% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 30% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.