Northumberland and Lancaster Counties, Virginia
The most common soil here is Sassafras, on about 17% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Suffolk and Acredale come next.
About 55% of the land drains well, and 13% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 13% of it.
USDA rates 72% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 36% 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 Northumberland and Lancaster Counties, 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 Northumberland and Lancaster Counties, 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 | 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 |
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 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 72% 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.