Greene County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is Norfolk, on about 16% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Rains and Goldsboro come next.
About 48% of the land drains well, and 36% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 36% of it.
USDA rates 59% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 56% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% 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 Greene 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 Greene 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rains sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 17K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Aycock very fine sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wagram loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lynchburg sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldsboro loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Southern Coastal Plain | 10K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stallings loamy fine sand | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Autryville fine sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bibb loam, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Johns sandy loam | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lumbee sandy loam | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowarts sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kenansville fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinston loam, frequently flooded | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Johnston loam, frequently flooded | 4K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Exum very fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kalmia loamy sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paxville loam | 3K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gritney fine sandy loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | 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 56% 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 59% 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.