Greensville County, Virginia

Survey Area VA081• Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Greensville 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
Roanoke loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	29K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Woodington fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	23K	Poorly drained	A/D	Very limited	Very limited
Slagle fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	16K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Roanoke silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, ponded	11K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Mattaponi sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	11K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Emporia loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Craven clay loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, severely eroded	8K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Fluvanna-Mattaponi complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Craven clay loam, 6 to 12 percent slopes, severely eroded	7K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Peawick loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Fluvanna-Mattaponi complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Helena gravelly coarse sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Uchee loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Abell loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	3K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Iredell loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Appling-Mattaponi complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Very limited
Dothan loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Appling gravelly coarse sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	B	Not 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.

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 77% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 100% 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.