Hanover County, Virginia
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 Hanover 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluvaquents, nearly level | 18K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Orangeburg-Faceville fine sandy loams, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pacolet fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wedowee fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Suffolk loamy fine sand, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Abell fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Helena-Colfax complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville-Bourne fine sandy loams, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Vance fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vance fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coxville loam | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bourne fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Worsham fine sandy loam | 5K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat 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 41% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 62% 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.