I want to buy some land. — How can I find out about the soils and whether it will “perc”?
You can get preliminary information by going to the USDA Web Soil Survey and Soil Data Mart pages (links can be found under the “About Soils section of the “Resources” page of this website). You should be aware that the information available from these sources is very general. The county level soil surveys are done on small scale maps (for example, 1″=2000’) and can have inclusions, or dissimilar soil areas, of up to three acres. For more detailed, site specific information, it is recommended that you either have a soil investigation done by a licensed soil scientist or apply for a septic system permit, depending on your time frame and the proposed use of the property. Getting this information before you buy a lot or a piece of property can save a lot of money and trouble. How do I get a soil test for my garden? The North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s soil lab will test your soil for a nominal fee. Boxes and instructions for collecting a soil sample can be found at your local Co
