Southampton County, Virginia

Survey Area VA175• Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Southampton County, 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
Slagle fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	48K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Slagle fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	47K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Emporia fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes	30K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Bibb sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	29K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Myatt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	22K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Uchee loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	15K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Emporia fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Roanoke loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	13K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rumford, Kenansville, and Uchee soils, 0 to 6 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Chastain loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, ponded	9K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tomotley sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded	9K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Yemassee fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	9K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Tarboro loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes	8K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Not limited	Very limited
Chastain loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	8K	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Slagle fine sandy loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Uchee loamy sand, 6 to 10 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Seabrook loamy sand, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Nansemond loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes	6K	Moderately well drained	B	Very 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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 100% 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.