Mathews County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Fallsington, on about 31% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Dragston and Kempsville come next.
About 7% of the land drains well, and 46% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 46% of it.
USDA rates 53% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 52% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% 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 Mathews 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 Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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 Mathews 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 27K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Fallsington fine sandy loam | 24K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dragston fine sandy loam, shallow | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woodstown fine sandy loam | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville loamy fine sand, thick surface, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tidal marsh, low | 2K | Very poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Kempsville fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tidal marsh, high | 451 | Very poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Sloping sandy land | 309 | Excessively drained | Somewhat limited | Very limited | |
| Steep sandy land | 257 | Excessively drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Kempsville fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes | 217 | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sassafras fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 182 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sassafras loamy fine sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 158 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mixed alluvial land | 119 | Poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Sassafras fine sandy loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded | 117 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Coastal beach | 101 | Moderately well drained | Not rated | Not rated | |
| Keyport silt loam, 8 to 12 percent slopes, eroded | 95 | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elkton silt loam | 92 | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Keyport silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 79 | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gravel Pit | 59 | Not rated | Not rated |
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 52% 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 53% 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.