Appomattox County, Virginia

Survey Area VA011• Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Appomattox County, Virginia. 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
Tatum silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Tatum-Manteo complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Mecklenburg-Poindexter complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pacolet-Louisburg complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Cullen clay loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Tatum-Manteo complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Iredell loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Pacolet-Louisburg complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Manteo very channery loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Mecklenburg-Poindexter complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Appomattox-Cullen complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Mattaponi-Cecil complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Mecklenburg loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Poindexter gravelly silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Louisburg gravelly coarse sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Wehadkee loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Iredell loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Riverview loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	2K	Well drained	B	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.

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 35% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 51% 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.