Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluvaquents | 21K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Creedmoor fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colfax fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bourne fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville-Bourne complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Faceville-Gritney fine sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Myatt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grover fine sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mayodan, clayey substratum-Creedmoor sandy loams, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Worsham fine sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bourne-Colfax complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling-Spotsylvania sandy loams, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Creedmoor fine sandy loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lucy-Orangeburg loamy sands, 2 to 6 percent percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 58% 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 82% 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.