Sussex 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 Sussex County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slagle fine sandy loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 39K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Slagle fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 31K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chastain loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 25K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yemassee fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 19K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Roanoke loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 18K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emporia-Slagle complex, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Craven clay loam, 6 to 10 percent slopes, severely eroded | 14K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ocilla loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat poorly drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myatt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 13K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emporia-Slagle complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Uchee loamy sand, 0 to 6 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Craven loam, 2 to 6 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Emporia-Slagle complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bibb and Chastain soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tomotley sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Uchee-Slagle complex, 6 to 10 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Eulonia fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Altavista fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chewacla loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Augusta sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 5K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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
Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.