Soil survey area

Davie County, North Carolina

Survey Area NC059• North Carolina
The short version

The most common soil here is Pacolet, on about 12% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Tomlin and Clover come next.

About 86% of the land drains well, and 11% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 11% of it.

USDA rates 55% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 28% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.

Worth knowing: 12% of the land floods occasionally or more.

Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.

The ground underfoot

The soils you're most likely standing on

The biggest named soils in Davie County, North Carolina, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.

Pacolet
12% of the area
Sandy loam topsoil · well drained
Gritty and crumbly. Drains fast and warms early in spring.
Ultisols
Tomlin
9% of the area
Loam topsoil · well drained
A balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. The gardener's ideal.
Ultisols
Clover
9% of the area
Fine sandy loam topsoil · well drained
Gritty and crumbly. Drains fast and warms early in spring.
Ultisols
Rasalo
7% of the area
Well drained
Alfisols
Fairview
6% of the area
Sandy clay loam topsoil · well drained
Gritty but holds together. Drains moderately.
Ultisols
Codorus
6% of the area
Silt loam topsoil · somewhat poorly drained
Smooth, like flour. Fertile and holds water well.
Inceptisols

Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.

The biggest mapped areas

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 Davie County, North Carolina. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map UnitAcresDrainageHydro GroupDwellingsSeptic
Rasalo fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes 13K Well drainedCSomewhat limitedVery limited
Tomlin clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded 12K Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Codorus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded 11K Somewhat poorly drainedB/DVery limitedVery limited
Pacolet sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded 11K Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Clifford sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded 10K Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Pacolet sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded 9K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Fairview sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded 7K Well drainedCSomewhat limitedVery limited
Clover silty clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded 6K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Mocksville sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes 5K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedVery limited
Pacolet sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes 5K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Clover silty clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded 5K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Lloyd clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded 5K Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded 5K Somewhat poorly drainedB/DVery limitedVery limited
Oak Level clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded 4K Well drainedCSomewhat limitedVery limited
Fairview sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes 4K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Rhodhiss sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes 4K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Tomlin clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded 4K Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Mocksville sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes 3K Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Enon fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes 3K Well drainedCSomewhat limitedVery limited
Water 3K Not ratedNot rated

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 28% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 55% 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.

Look Up a Specific Address

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