Washington County, North Carolina

Survey Area NC187• North Carolina

The dominant drainage class is Very poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C/D (varies with drainage). 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 Washington 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
Water	44K			Not rated	Not rated
Cape Fear loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	29K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Belhaven muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	26K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Portsmouth fine sandy loam	22K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dorovan muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	18K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Roanoke loam	16K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pungo muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	16K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Arapahoe fine sandy loam	9K	Very poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wasda muck	8K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Argent silt loam	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Roper muck	7K	Very poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pettigrew muck	7K	Very poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Augusta fine sandy loam	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Dragston loamy fine sand	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Hyde silt loam	5K	Very poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Wahee fine sandy loam	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tomotley fine sandy loam	4K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Conetoe loamy fine sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Wickham loamy sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not 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.

Histosols

Organic peat and muck soils formed in wetlands. Very poor for building (compressible) and septic. Often in regulated wetlands.

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 79% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 82% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.