Chatham 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 Chatham County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cid-Lignum complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 61K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nanford-Badin complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Callison-Lignum complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nanford-Badin complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Creedmoor-Green Level complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cid silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Georgeville silty clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 20K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 19K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Georgeville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Georgeville-Badin complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nanford-Badin complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Creedmoor-Green Level complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Georgeville silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Georgeville silty clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chewacla and Wehadkee soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Georgeville-Badin complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Badin-Nanford complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Riverview silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wedowee sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Creedmoor-Green Level complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% 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 51% 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.