New Hanover County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A/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 New Hanover County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murville fine sand | 16K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leon sand | 13K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tidal marsh | 10K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dorovan soils | 10K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kureb sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Seagate fine sand | 7K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Baymeade fine sand, 1 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lynn Haven fine sand | 5K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Johnston soils | 5K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Kenansville fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Newhan fine sand | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torhunta loamy fine sand | 3K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lakeland sand, 1 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Baymeade-Urban land complex 1 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Pantego loam | 2K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Onslow loamy fine sand | 2K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wrightsboro fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stallings fine sand | 2K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 67% 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 88% 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.