Essex County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Essex 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rumford and Emporia soils, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 40K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rumford and Slagle soils, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Suffolk sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Emporia sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bibb sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tetotum loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tomotley fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rappahannock muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atlee silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rumford loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| State fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Emporia sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Munden fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tetotum loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Suffolk sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Pamunkey loam, wet substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Chickahominy silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | 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 52% 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 90% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.