Cumberland 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 Cumberland County, Virginia.
| 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 |
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.