Fluvanna County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Nason, on about 20% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Tatum and Manteo come next.
About 86% of the land drains well, and 8% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 12% of it.
USDA rates 47% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 44% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 9% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 29% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Fluvanna County, Virginia, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Fluvanna 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tatum silt loam, undulating phase | 24K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nason silt loam, undulating phase | 19K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nason silt loam, rolling phase | 17K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Manteo silt loam, hilly phase | 12K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manteo silt loam, rolling phase | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Louisburg sandy loam, rolling and hilly phases | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manteo silt loam, steep phase | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mixed alluvial land, poorly drained | 5K | Poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Louisburg sandy loam, eroded steep phase | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nason loam, undulating phase | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Louisburg sandy loam, eroded rolling and hilly phases | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling fine sandy loam, undulating phase | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Worsham silt loam | 3K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mixed alluvial land, well drained | 3K | Well drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Appling sandy loam, undulating phase | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lloyd silt loam, undulating phase | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tatum silty clay loam, eroded undulating phase | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fluvanna silt loam, undulating phase | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Orange silt loam, undulating phase | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bremo silt loam, rolling phase | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | 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 44% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 47% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.