Surry County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Slagle, on about 9% of the land: a fine sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Nevarc and Craven come next.
About 13% of the land drains well, and 24% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 27% of it.
USDA rates 89% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 76% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 10% of the land floods occasionally or more.
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 Surry 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 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 Surry 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 29K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 20K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Slagle fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 15K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rains fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 14K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emporia fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Craven fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jedburg loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nawney and Mattan soils, 0 to 1 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craven-Slagle complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uchee loamy fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bibb fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Montross silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nansemond sandy loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kinston loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 10 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Burrowsville loamy sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nevarc-Remlik complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caroline silt loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | 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 76% 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 89% 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.