Surry County, North Carolina

Survey Area NC171• North Carolina

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Surry 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
Fairview sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded	46K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Woolwine-Fairview-Westfield complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded	33K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Fairview sandy clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded	31K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Fairview sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	26K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Woolwine-Fairview-Westfield complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, stony	25K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Woolwine-Fairview-Westfield complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, stony	19K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Colvard and Suches soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	19K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Fairview-Stott Knob complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fairview cobbly sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded, stony	9K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Woolwine-Fairview-Westfield complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	9K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Fairview cobbly fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, stony	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Clifford sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	8K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cowee gravelly loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, stony	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Evard-Cowee complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, stony	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Braddock fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Chestnut-Peaks-Tuckasegee complex, 45 to 90 percent slopes, very rocky	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fairview cobbly sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded, stony	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Braddock fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Devotion-Rhodhiss-Bannertown complex, 40 to 95 percent slopes, very rocky	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Toast-Bannertown complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky	4K	Well drained	B	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 47% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 85% 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.