New Kent County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 New Kent County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville-Emporia complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Caroline-Emporia complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Johnston mucky loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Very poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lanexa mucky silty clay, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bohicket muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Very poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle-Emporia complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattan muck, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Altavista-Dogue complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville-Suffolk complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Dogue fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craven loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craven-Caroline complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tomotley loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roanoke silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 2K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caroline-Emporia complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% 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 84% 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
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.