Charles City County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Chickahominy, on about 6% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Craven and Emporia come next.
About 16% of the land drains well, and 30% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 30% of it.
USDA rates 83% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 72% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 13% 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 Charles City 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 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 72% 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 83% 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.