Gates County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/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 Gates County, North Carolina.
| 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 |
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.