Chowan 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 Chowan County, North Carolina.
| 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 |
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.