Edgecombe County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is Norfolk, on about 13% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Roanoke and Rains come next.
About 39% of the land drains well, and 39% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 39% of it.
USDA rates 72% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 69% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 21% 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 soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
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 Edgecombe 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Roanoke loam | 30K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldsboro fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 25K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Southern Coastal Plain | 24K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wagram loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bibb soils | 16K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarboro loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Aycock very fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Atlantic Coast Flatwoods | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Exum very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Portsmouth fine sandy loam | 7K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Conetoe loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wickham sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| State loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wehadkee silt loam | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Aycock very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Autryville loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dogue fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 69% 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 72% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.