Goochland County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Madison, on about 13% of the land: a gravelly sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Wedowee and Pacolet come next.
About 75% of the land drains well, and 11% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 19% of it.
USDA rates 51% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 39% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 15% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 11% 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 Goochland 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 Goochland 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wedowee fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pacolet fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pacolet fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Monacan complex | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wedowee fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Monacan silt loam | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bolling soils, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Tatum loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sedgefield fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tatum loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Enon fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Madison clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wedowee fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilkes fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | 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 39% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 51% 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.