Polk County, North Carolina
The dominant drainage class is 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 Polk 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacolet sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rion sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, escarpment, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet sandy clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison sandy clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fannin-Cowee complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet-Bethlehem complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Grover loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Cleveland-Rock outcrop complex, 50 to 95 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet-Bethlehem complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard-Cowee complex, escarpment, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cliffield-Cowee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dorian-Roanoke complex, 0 to 6 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fannin-Cowee complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rion-Cliffside complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville fine sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tate-Greenlee complex, escarpment, 15 to 30 percent slopes, extremely stony | 2K | Well drained | C | Very 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 64% 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 70% 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
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.