Prince Edward 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 Prince Edward County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cecil fine sandy loam, undulating phase | 30K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wilkes sandy loam, eroded hilly phase | 22K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil fine sandy loam, rolling phase | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Mixed alluvium, poorly drained | 11K | Poorly drained | Very limited | Very limited | |
| Wilkes sandy loam, eroded rolling phase | 10K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Madison fine sandy loam, undulating phase | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wilkes sandy loam, eroded steep phase | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Helena fine sandy loam, undulating phase | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilkes sandy loam, undulating phase | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Worsham sandy loam | 6K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wilkes sandy loam, severely eroded hilly phase | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Appling sandy loam, undulating phase | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil fine sandy loam, hilly phase | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cecil and Georgeville very fine sandy loams, undulating phases | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Madison fine sandy loam, rolling phase | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wilkes sandy loam, severely eroded steep phase | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wehadkee silt loam | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lloyd loam, eroded undulating phase | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Helena fine sandy loam, rolling phase | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 55% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 55% 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.