Northumberland and Lancaster Counties, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Northumberland and Lancaster Counties, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 56K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Steep sandy land | 36K | Excessively drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Sassafras fine sandy loam, gently sloping | 31K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Suffolk fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sloping sandy land | 13K | Excessively drained | Somewhat limited | Very limited | |
| Woodstown fine sandy loam | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Acredale silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 8K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mattapex silt loam | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matapeake silt loam, nearly level | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Mixed alluvial land | 7K | Poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Sassafras loamy fine sand, thick surface, nearly level | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bertie silt loam | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dragston fine sandy loam | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville fine sandy loam, nearly level | 4K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sassafras loamy fine sand, thick surface, gently sloping | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville fine sandy loam, gently sloping | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Sassafras fine sandy loam, sloping, eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Fallsington fine sandy loam | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tidal marsh, low | 3K | Very poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Sassafras fine sandy loam, gently sloping, eroded | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 36% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 71% 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.