Spotsylvania County, Virginia
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 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 46% 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.