Graham County, North Carolina

Survey Area NC075• North Carolina

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Graham 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
Spivey-Santeetlah complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very bouldery	15K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Spivey-Whiteoak complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, bouldery	14K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Sylco-Cataska complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky	14K	Somewhat excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cheoah-Jeffrey complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky	13K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Junaluska-Brasstown complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Ditney-Unicoi-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, very stony	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Soco-Stecoah complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, rocky	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Soco-Stecoah complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Junaluska-Brasstown complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Water	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Cheoah-Jeffrey complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, rocky	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Junaluska-Tsali complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Snowbird loam, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Snowbird loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Junaluska-Tsali complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Cheoah channery loam, 50 to 95 percent slopes, stony	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Spivey-Whiteoak complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, bouldery	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Soco-Stecoah complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, rocky	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Soco-Stecoah complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lonon-Northcove complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, bouldery	3K	Well drained	B	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.

Inceptisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 95% 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.