Gloucester County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Gloucester County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 22K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Meggett sandy loam | 12K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emporia sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Psamments-Hapludults complex, steep | 9K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uchee-Kempsville-Slagle complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lumbee sandy loam | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Suffolk fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Eunola fine sandy loam | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sulfaquents, frequently flooded | 6K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uchee-Kempsville-Slagle complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ochraquults, nearly level | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kenansville loamy fine sand, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Wrightsboro fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Psamments-Hapludults complex, sloping | 4K | Moderately well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wrightsboro fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craven silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ochraquults-Haplaquepts complex | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dogue fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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 77% 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.