Surry County, Virginia

Survey Area VA181• 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 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.

Ultisols

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

Entisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

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.