King William County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Slagle, on about 9% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Remlik and Nevarc come next.
About 51% of the land drains well, and 21% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 21% of it.
USDA rates 85% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 62% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 13% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 King William 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 King William 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remlik and Nevarc soils, 15 to 60 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emporia fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Remlik and Nevarc soils, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Slagle loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bibb and Kinston soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 8K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Altavista loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tomotley fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattan mucky silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 6K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Suffolk and Rumford soils, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Bama loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Daleville silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| State loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bohicket silty clay loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded | 3K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roanoke silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Seabrook loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Eulonia fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wehadkee loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Poorly drained | B/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 62% 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 85% 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.