Louisa County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Nason, on about 19% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Appling and Tatum come next.
About 82% of the land drains well, and 11% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 13% of it.
USDA rates 29% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 24% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 7% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 8% of it.
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 Louisa 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 Louisa 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nason silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 35K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nason silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 35K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 34K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tatum silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 27K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wehadkee-Chewacla complex | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Worsham fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tatum silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wedowee-Appling sandy loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Water | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Grover sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil-Pacolet clay loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Abell fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ashlar sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wedowee-Appling sandy loams, 2 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pacolet-Cecil sandy loams, 2 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ashlar sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling-Wedowee sandy clay loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat 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 24% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 29% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.