Powhatan County, 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 Powhatan County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cecil fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 37K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Abell fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Turbeville fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Appling fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Pacolet fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Poindexter sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Poindexter sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla silt loam | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Enon sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet sandy clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Forestdale silty clay loam | 4K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Enon sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mayodan fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chenneby silt loam | 3K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Creedmoor fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Partlow loam | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pacolet clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mayodan fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 25% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 36% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.