Henrico County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Somewhat poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Henrico County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 11K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Colfax fine sandy loam, indurated substratum, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville very fine sandy loam, clayey substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Atlee very fine sandy loam | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lenoir silt loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caroline very fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lynchburg fine sandy loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinston and Mantachie soils | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chewacla and Riverview soils | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pouncey sandy loam | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Angie loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Norfolk fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bourne fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duplin very fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling fine sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kempsville very fine sandy loam, clayey substratum, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Duplin very fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, eroded | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 55% 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 75% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Poorly drained soils can't absorb septic effluent effectively. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Many soils hold water for extended periods. Raised beds are highly recommended to improve drainage for vegetables. Well-adapted native plants and water-loving species will do best in natural conditions.