Chowan County, North Carolina

Survey Area NC041• 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 Chowan 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	45K			Not rated	Not rated
Roanoke silt loam	20K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Portsmouth loam	8K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tomotley fine sandy loam	8K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dorovan muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	7K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Icaria fine sandy loam	6K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Conetoe loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Chowan silt loam	5K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dogue fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Wando fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Echaw fine sand	4K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Tomahawk loamy fine sand	4K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dogue fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Augusta fine sandy loam	3K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lynn Haven sand	3K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arapahoe fine sandy loam	2K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Perquimans silt loam	2K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Valhalla fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
State loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat 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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 58% 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 68% 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.