Surry County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Surry County, Virginia.
| 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 |
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 88% 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.