Appomattox County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.