Union County, North Carolina

Survey Area NC179• North Carolina

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Union 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
Cid channery silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	70K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Badin channery silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tarrus gravelly silty clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	49K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Goldston-Badin complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Badin channery silty clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	30K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Chewacla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	21K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tarrus gravelly silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Cecil gravelly sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	14K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Goldston-Badin complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Goldston very channery silt loam, 4 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Secrest-Cid complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Badin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Badin-Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Tarrus gravelly silty clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded	7K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Badin channery silty clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Misenheimer-Cid complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Georgeville silty clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded	5K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Goldston very channery silt loam, 15 to 45 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Cecil gravelly sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Wynott gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	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.

Ultisols

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

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 45% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 73% 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.