Gloucester County, Virginia

Survey Area VA073• 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 Gloucester 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
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

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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

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

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.