Charles City County, Virginia

Survey Area VA036• Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Charles City 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
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

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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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.