Rockingham 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 Rockingham County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clifford sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 77K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fairview-Poplar Forest complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 43K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Poplar Forest sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview-Poplar Forest complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nathalie sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Codorus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clover sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Siloam sandy loam, 10 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview-Poplar Forest complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhodhiss sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poplar Forest sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Siloam sandy loam, 4 to 10 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clover sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fairview-Poplar Forest complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clover sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dan River loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Poplar Forest sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Stoneville loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rhodhiss sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 30% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 52% 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.