Chesterfield County, Virginia

Survey Area VA041• Virginia

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 Chesterfield 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

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

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.