Spotsylvania County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Appling, on about 12% of the land: a sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Wedowee and Nason come next.
About 65% of the land drains well, and 20% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 20% of it.
USDA rates 51% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 38% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 17% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 5% of it.
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 Spotsylvania County, 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 Spotsylvania 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appling-Wedowee sandy loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 42K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fluvaquents-Udifluvents complex | 17K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nason silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Partlow sandy loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 12K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Appling sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Catharpin silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Abell sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Savannah sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tatum loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fluvanna fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Toddstav silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 7K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Appling-Wedowee sandy loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brockroad silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Cecil-Pacolet complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Faceville-Varina complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Myatt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Louisburg sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tatum loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Emporia sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | 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 38% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 51% 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.