Halifax County and the City of South Boston, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Halifax County and the City of South Boston, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clifford sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nathalie sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 43K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clifford sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fairview sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, severely eroded | 32K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nathalie sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Spriggs-Rasalo complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clifford clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 23K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Codorus and Hatboro soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 23K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Toast sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Halifax sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rasalo-Orange complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Spriggs-Rasalo complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Halifax sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cid-Lignum complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montonia-Goldston complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tarrus-Badin complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Virgilina gravelly silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Virgilina-Poindexter complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 61% 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.