Charles City County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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 Charles City County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 15K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Craven-Uchee complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chickahominy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newflat silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dogue silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caroline-Emporia complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lawnes muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 5K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle-Emporia complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peawick silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peawick silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emporia-Kempsville complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roanoke silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle fine sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craven loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattan mucky loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 2K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yeopim silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 76% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 85% 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.