Richmond County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low 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 Richmond County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rumford soils, 15 to 50 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Suffolk sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Emporia loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Suffolk sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Rumford and Tetotum soils, 6 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bibb and Levy soils | 8K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tetotum fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rappahannock muck | 5K | Very poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tomotley fine sandy loam | 4K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rumford loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Kempsville sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kempsville loam | 2K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nansemond fine sandy loam | 2K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tetotum fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Leaf silt loam | 2K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Savannah fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 1K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yemassee fine sandy loam | 1K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| State fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 940 | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Dogue fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 926 | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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 95% 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.