Martin County, North Carolina

Survey Area NC117• North Carolina

The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Martin 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 fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Atlantic Coast Flatwoods	59K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lynchburg fine sandy loam	35K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Goldsboro fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	29K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Chastain silt loam, frequently flooded	27K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bethera loam	26K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bibb loam, frequently flooded	23K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Bonneau loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Norfolk loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Norfolk loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Lenoir loam	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pantego loam	7K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Craven fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	5K			Not rated	Not rated
Craven fine sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dorovan muck, frequently flooded	4K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Stallings loamy sand	4K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Craven clay loam, 4 to 12 percent slopes, eroded	3K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Foreston loamy fine sand	3K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bonneau loamy sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Winton fine sandy loam, 15 to 60 percent slopes	3K	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.

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.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 84% 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 90% 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.