Columbus County, North Carolina

Survey Area NC047• 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 Columbus 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
Grifton fine sandy loam	41K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Goldsboro fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	38K	Moderately well drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lynchburg fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Southern Coastal Plain	35K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Southern Coastal Plain	35K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Meggett fine sandy loam, frequently flooded	35K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Johnston loam, frequently flooded	28K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Muckalee sandy loam, frequently flooded	27K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Norfolk loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Torhunta fine sandy loam	26K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dorovan muck, frequently flooded	24K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Foreston loamy fine sand	22K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lynchburg fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Atlantic Coast Flatwoods	22K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Croatan muck, ponded, 0 to 2 percent slopes	21K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Atlantic Coast Flatwoods	20K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Nakina fine sandy loam	20K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Norfolk loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Pantego fine sandy loam	19K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pender fine sandy loam	18K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Stallings sandy loam	15K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wagram loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	A	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Spodosols

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 88% 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 88% 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.