Caroline County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Kempsville, on about 30% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Emporia and Slagle come next.
About 63% of the land drains well, and 10% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 11% of it.
USDA rates 65% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 45% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% 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 Caroline County, Virginia, 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 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 Caroline 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kempsville-Emporia complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 74K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kempsville-Emporia-Remlik complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 63K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle-Kempsville complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 44K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville-Emporia complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bibb-Chastain complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Altavista fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, very rarely flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Suffolk fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, very rarely flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevarc sandy loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bojac sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes, very rarely flooded | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tomotley-Roanoke complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Appling sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chastain silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, ponded | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville-Emporia complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wickham fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, very rarely flooded | 3K | 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.
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 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
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.