Northampton County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is Craven, on about 9% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Norfolk and Bethera come next.
About 34% of the land drains well, and 33% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 33% of it.
USDA rates 82% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 68% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 14% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Northampton 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 Moderately 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 Northampton 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 68% 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 82% 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.