Gates County, North Carolina

Survey Area NC073• North Carolina

The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Gates 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
Bladen loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	50K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dorovan mucky peat, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	19K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Goldsboro fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	17K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Pungo muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes	14K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Atlantic Coast Flatwoods	12K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Craven fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nawney loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Alaga sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Pantego fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Belhaven muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lenoir loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Craven fine sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Conetoe fine sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Icaria fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	5K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chowan loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	4K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pactolus sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Bonneau loamy fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	3K			Not rated	Not rated
Ballahack loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	3K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	3K	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.

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.

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 90% 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 98% 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.