Cumberland County, Virginia

Survey Area VA049• 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 Cumberland 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
Appling fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Appling-Helena complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Cecil sandy clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded	10K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Chewacla and Monacan soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Poindexter-Wedowee complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Poindexter-Wedowee complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Brickhaven-Creedmoor complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Pacolet-Wateree complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Helena sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Enon-Helena complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Nathalie sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Nathalie-Halifax complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Enon-Helena complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Mattaponi-Appling complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dogue fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, rarely flooded	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Helena sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Clifford sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Wateree sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Toccoa fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	2K	Well drained	A	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.

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 33% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 69% 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.