Hertford County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is Craven, on about 19% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Leaf and Lenoir come next.
About 21% of the land drains well, and 48% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 48% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 78% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 15% 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 Hertford 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Hertford 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf loam | 46K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craven fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 28K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenoir loam | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craven fine sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dorovan soils | 16K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb soils | 11K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Norfolk loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bonneau loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Goldsboro fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Winton soils, 12 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Atlantic Coast Flatwoods | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarboro sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wilbanks silty clay loam | 4K | Very poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caroline fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Conetoe loamy sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Craven fine sandy loam, 4 to 8 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wehadkee silt loam | 3K | Poorly drained | B/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 78% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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.