Martin County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
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.