Mathews County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Poorly drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B/D (varies with drainage). 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.
| 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 |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 51% 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.