Wayne County, North Carolina
The most common soil here is Norfolk, on about 13% of the land: a loamy sand, gritty and loose. Wagram and Rains come next.
About 47% of the land drains well, and 43% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 43% of it.
USDA rates 65% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 61% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 12% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Wayne County, North Carolina, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Wayne 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wagram loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rains sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 28K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenansville loamy sand | 26K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lynchburg sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 21K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb sandy loam | 19K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Goldsboro loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, Southern Coastal Plain | 14K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Johnston loam | 13K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Troup sand | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lakeland sand | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dragston loamy sand | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Torhunta loam | 10K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weston loamy sand (Woodington) | 10K | Poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wagram loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lumbee sandy loam | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Norfolk loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kinston loam | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myatt very fine sandy loam | 5K | Poorly drained | B/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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 61% 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 65% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.