Stokes 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 Stokes County, North Carolina.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairview-Poplar Forest complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 68K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Rhodhiss, Fairview, and Stott Knob soils, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 51K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview-Poplar Forest complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 42K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview-Poplar Forest complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Dan River and Comus soils, 0 to 4 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fairview-Siloam complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview-Siloam complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clover fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clover fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Spriggs fine sandy loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sauratown channery fine sandy loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clover fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brevard-Greenlee complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clover sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clover sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Danripple sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Codorus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Siloam fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 52% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 88% 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.