Orange County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is 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 Orange County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgeville silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 49K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Georgeville silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Herndon silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tarrus silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Herndon silt loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Helena sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enon loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lignum silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tarrus silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Enon loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wedowee sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orange silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wedowee sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Iredell gravelly loam, 1 to 4 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Vance sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Louisburg (Wateree) sandy loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 22% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 30% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.