Northampton County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Northampton County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethera silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 31K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wehadkee loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 31K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bonneau loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 24K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lenoir silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 22K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Goldsboro sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gritney sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craven fine sandy loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craven fine sandy loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Southern Coastal Plain | 13K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Caroline sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chastain silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wickham fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Congaree silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded, Southern Coastal Plain | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wickham fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lynchburg fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caroline sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 71% 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 85% 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.