Johnston County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is Norfolk, on about 10% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Gilead and Goldsboro come next.
About 49% of the land drains well, and 31% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 31% of it.
USDA rates 66% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 52% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 18% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 1% of it.
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 Johnston 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 Johnston 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 | 36K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 33K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Goldsboro sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilead sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 30K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 29K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wehadkee loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 21K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilead sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lynchburg sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 16K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wagram loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wehadkee-Chastain association, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uchee loamy coarse sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wedowee sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Marlboro-Cecil complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wedowee sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Marlboro sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pacolet loam, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Blanton sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 8K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 52% 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 66% 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.