20210592 Ver 1_1989 Soil Survey of Gaston County_20210318

r°go- United States
,9 �? Department of
. Agriculture
Soil
Conservation
Service
In cooperation with
North Carolina
Department of Natural
Resources and
Community Development,
North Carolina
Agricultural Research
Service, North Carolina
Agricultural Extension
Service, Gaston County
Board of Commissioners,
and Gaston Soil and
Water Conservation
District
Soil Survey of
Gaston County,
North Carolina

How To Use This Soil Survey
General Soil Map
The general soil map, which is the color map preceding the detailed soil maps, shows the survey area
divided into groups of associated soils called general soil map units. This map is useful in planning the
use and management of large areas.
To find information about your area of interest, locate that area on the map, identify the name of the
map unit in the area on the color -coded map legend, then refer to the section General Soil Map Units
for a general description of the soils in your area.
Detailed Soil Maps
The detailed soil maps follow the general soil map. These maps can
be useful in planning the use and management of small areas.
To find information about
your area of interest,
locate that area on the
Index to Map Sheets,
which precedes the soil
maps. Note the number of
the map sheet, and turn to
that sheet.
Locate your area of
interest on the map
sheet. Note the map unit
symbols that are in that
area. Turn to the Index
to Map Units (see Con-
tents), which lists the map
units by symbol and
name and shows the
page where each map
unit is described.
N
INDEX TO MAP SHEETS
MAP SHEET
Fa Ba7�
N C
AsB
Ba
.00RMHROR
- ?3� lqa
'AREA OF INT:,:..... .. _.
...m.., EREST
I NOTE: Map unit symbols in a soil
survey may consist only of numbers or
- - letters, or they may be a combination
of numbers and letters.
MAP SHEET
The Summary of Tables shows which table has data on a specific land use for each detailed soil map
unit. See Contents for sections of this publication that may address your specific needs.

This soil survey is a publication of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a
joint effort of the United States Department of Agriculture and other federal
agencies, state agencies including the North Carolina Agricultural Research
Service, and local agencies. The Soil Conservation Service has leadership for
the federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey,
Major fieldwork for this soil survey was completed in 1984. Soil names and
descriptions were approved in 1985. Unless otherwise indicated, statements in
this publication refer to conditions in the survey area in 1985. This soil survey
was made cooperatively by the Soil Conservation Service and the North Carolina
Department of Natural Resources and Community Development, North Carolina
Agricultural Research Service, North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service, and
Gaston County Board of Commissioners. It is part of the technical assistance
furnished to the Gaston Soil and Water Conservation District.
Soil maps in this survey may be copied without permission. Enlargement of
these maps, however, could cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping. If
enlarged, maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have
been shown at a larger scale,
This soil survey updates the first one published in 1917 and provides
additonal information.
All programs and services of the Soil Conservation Service are offered on a
nondiscriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion,
sex, age, marital status, or handicap.
Cover: This restored historic farmhouse is at the Schiele Museum in Gastonia, North
Carolina.

Contents
Index to map units
Summary of tables ..............................
Foreword .......................................
General nature of the survey area .................
How this survey was made ........................
Map unit composition ...........................
General soil map units ...........................
Detailed soil map units ..........................
Prime farmland ..................................
Use and management of the soils ............... .
Crops and pasture .............................
Woodland management and productivity .........
Recreation ....................................
Wildlife habitat .................................
Engineering ...................................
Soil properties ..................................
Engineering index properties ....................
Physical and chemical properties ................
Soil and water features .........................
Engineering index test data .....................
Classification of the soils ........................
Soil series and their morphology ...................
Alam ance Variant ..............................
iv Appling series .................................
v Cecil series ....................................
vii Chewacla series ...............................
1 Congaree series ...............................
2 Gaston series ..................................
4 Helena series ..................................
7 Lignu m series .................................
13 Madison series ................................
39 Pacolet series .................................
41 Tatum series ..................................
41 Udorthents....................................
45 Uwharrie series ................................
48 Vance series ..................................
49 Wedowee series ...............................
50 Wilkes series ..................................
57 Winnsboro series ..............................
57 Worsham series ...............................
58 Formation of the soils ...........................
59 Geology and mineral resources ..................
60 References .....................................
61 Glossary ........................................
61 Tables ..........................................
62
Issued May 1989
62
63
64
65
65
66
67
67
68
69
69
70
70
71
72
73
73
75
76
79
81
89

Index to Map Units
AmB—Alamance Variant gravelly loam, 2 to 8
percent slopes ............................. .
AmD—Alamance Variant gravelly loam, 8 to 15
percent slopes ..............................
ApB—Appling sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes... .
CeB2—Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent
slopes, eroded ..............................
CeD2—Cecil sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent
slopes, eroded ..............................
CfB—Cecil-Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent
slopes......................................
CfD—Cecil-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent
slopes......................................
CH—Chewacla loam, frequently flooded........... .
Co —Congaree loam, occasionally flooded ..........
GaB2—Gaston sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent
slopes, eroded ..............................
GaD2—Gaston sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent
slopes, eroded ..............................
GaE—Gaston loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes....... .
HeB—Helena sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes ....
HuB—Helena-Urban land complex, 1 to 6 percent
slopes......................................
LgB—Lignum silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes .......
MaB2—Madison sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent
slopes, eroded ..............................
MaD2—Madison sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent
slopes, eroded ..............................
iv
MaE—Madison sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent
13
slopes ......................................
26
PaD2—Pacolet sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent
14
slopes, eroded ..............................
26
15
PaE—Pacolet sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent
slopes......................................
27
15
PaF—Pacolet sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes..
27
Pt —Pits .........................................
28
17
Ro—Rock outcrop ................................
28
TaB—Tatum gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes ...
28
17
TaD—Tatum gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes ..
29
TaE—Tatum gravelly loam, 15 to 25 percent
18
slopes ......................................
29
19
Ud—Udorthents, loamy ...........................
30
19
Ur —Urban land ..................................
30
UwF—Uwharrie stony loam, 25 to 45 percent
20
slopes, very bouldery ........................
31
VaB—Vance sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes .....
32
21
VaD—Vance sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes....
33
22
WeD—Wedowee sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent
23
slopes ......................................
33
WkD—Wilkes loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes .........
34
23
WkF—Wilkes loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes ........
34
24
WnB—Winnsboro loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes ......
35
WnD—Winnsboro loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes .....
36
25
WoA—Worsham loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes .......
36
25

Summary of Tables
Temperature and precipitation (table 1)................................... 90
Freeze dates in spring and fall (table 2)................................... 91
Probability. Temperature.
Growing season (table 3)................................................ 91
Acreage and proportionate extent of the soils (table 4) .................... 1 92
Acres. Percent.
Soil adaptation by vegetable and fruit crops (table 5) .......................
93
Sweet corn. Strawberries. Tomatoes and peppers.
Potatoes, Irish and sweet. Green beans. Cucumbers.
Apples and peaches. Grapes.
Land capability classes and yields per acre of crops and pasture (table 6)....
94
Land capability. Soybeans. Corn. Corn silage. Wheat.
Oats. Grass -legume hay. Pasture.
Common and scientific names of woodland plants of Gaston County
(table 7)...................................................
96
Woodland management and productivity (table 8) ..... ....................
97
Ordination symbol. Management concerns. Potential
productivity. Trees to plant.
Recreational development (table 9)......................................
101
Camp areas. Picnic areas. Playgrounds. Paths and trails.
Golf fairways.
Wildlife habitat (table 10)...............................................
104
Potential for habitat elements. Potential as habitat for—
Openland wildlife. Woodland wildlife. Wetland wildlife.
Building site development (table 1 1).....................................
106
Shallow excavations. Dwellings without basements.
Dwellings with basements. Small commercial buildings.
Local roads and streets. Lawns and landscaping.
Sanitary facilities (table 12).............................................
109
Septic tank absorption fields. Sewage lagoon areas.
Trench sanitary landfill. Area sanitary landfill. Daily cover
for landfill.
v

Construction materials (table 13)........................................
112
Roadfill. Sand. Gravel. Topsoil.
Water management (table 14)...........................................
114
Limitations for —Pond reservoir areas; Embankments,
dikes, and levees; Aquifer -fed excavated ponds. Features
affecting —Drainage, Terraces and diversions, Grassed
waterways.
Engineering index properties (table 15)..................................
117
Depth. USDA texture. Classification —Unified, AASHTO.
Fragments greater than 3 inches. Percentage passing
sieve-4, 10, 40, 200. Liquid limit. Plasticity index.
Physical and chemical properties of the soils (table 16)....................
121
Depth. Clay. Moist bulk density. Permeability. Available
water capacity. Soil reaction. Shrink -swell potential.
Erosion factors. Organic matter.
Soil and water features (table 17).......................................
124
Hydrologic group. Flooding. High water table. Bedrock.
Risk of corrosion.
Engineering index test data (table 18)...................................
126
Classification. Grain -size distribution. Liquid limit. Plasticity
index. Moisture density.
Classification of the soils (table 19)...................................... 127
Family or higher taxonomic class.
vi

Foreword
This soil survey contains information that can be used in land -planning
programs in Gaston County. It contains predictions of soil behavior for selected
land uses. The survey also highlights limitations. and hazards inherent in the soil,
improvements needed to overcome the limitations, and the impact of selected
land uses on the environment.
This soil survey is designed for many different users. Farmers, foresters, and
agronomists can use it to evaluate the potential of the soil and the management
needed for maximum food and fiber production. Planners, community officials,
engineers, developers, builders, and home buyers can use the survey to plan
land use, select sites for construction, and identify special practices needed to
insure proper performance. Conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists
in recreation, wildlife management, waste disposal, and pollution control can use
the survey to help them understand, protect, and enhance the environment.
Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some
soils are seasonally wet or subject to flooding. Some are shallow to bedrock.
Some are unstable and need specially designed foundations for buildings or
roads. Wet soils and some clayey soils are poorly suited to use as septic tank
absorption fields. A high water table makes a soil poorly suited to basements or
underground installations.
These and many other soil properties that affect land use are described in this
soil survey. Broad areas of soils are shown on the general soil map. The location
of each soil is shown on the detailed soil maps. Each soil in the survey area is
described. Information on specific uses is given for each soil. Help in using this
publication and additional information are available at the local office of the Soil
Conservation Service or the North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service.
Bobbye Jack Jones
State Conservationist
Soil Conservation Service
vu

Location of Gaston County in North Carolina.

Soil Survey of
Gaston County, North Carolina
By William E. Woody, Soil Conservation Service
Fieldwork by William E. Woody, Gary R. Maynor, and Forrest F. Evans, Jr.,
Soil Conservation Service, and David V. McCloy, W.P. Carlin, and Randy Hudson,
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service,
in cooperation with
the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development,
North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, North Carolina Agricultural Extension
Service, Gaston County Board of Commissioners, and Gaston Soil and Water
Conservation District
General Nature of the Survey Area
This section provides general information concerning
the history and economic development of Gaston
County and describes physiography, relief, and
drainage; water resources; and climate of the area.
History and Economic Development
GASTON COUNTY, established in 1846, was once part
of the territory known as Bath, which dates back to
1663 when Charles II presented it to the Lord
Proprietors. Gaston County and the city of Gastonia
are named for Judge William Gaston, who was an
eminent jurist and orator in the early 1830's (11).
The Catawba Indians, members of the eastern
Siouan family in North Carolina, were the main
inhabitants of Gaston County before the first European
settlers arrived. The early settlers were Scotch -Irish;
Germans, commonly called Pennsylvania Dutch; and
Scotch Highlanders. The first settlements were
established along the Catawba and South Fork Rivers
(11).
Early in the development of the county, agriculture
was the main enterprise. The main crops were corn,
cotton, soybeans, and wheat. The textile industry
moved into Gaston County in 1848 when Thomas
Randolph Tate built the Mountain Island mill along the
Catawba River near Mount Holly. By the turn of the
century, ten cotton mills were built and operating.
The textile industry has evolved into a major
economic force in the county. It supplies almost 80
percent of the yarn that is used in the U.S. textile
industry and employs over one-third of the work force of
Gaston County (11).
The farming industry is still important in Gaston
County, although only 2 percent of the rural population
is involved in farming, Sixty-five percent of all farmers
are part-time and work in one of the other 85 industries
in the county (13).
In 1980, the U.S. Census reported a population of
161 ,290. Gastonia, the county seat, had a population of
69,692.
Physiography, Relief, and Drainage
Gaston County is in the southern Piedmont
physiographic region. The land area of the county is
228,666 acres or about 357 square miles, which
includes 1,850 acres of water in areas of less than 40
acres. In addition, 4,224 acres of water is in large lakes.
The county generally is characterized as gently rolling
or hilly with several prominent ridges and smaller

2
Soil Survey
mountain ranges in the central and western parts.
Elevation ranges from 587 feet in the southeast corner
of the county to 1,705 feet at the pinnacle of the Kings
Mountain Range in the southwest. Generally, drainage
is from northwest to southeast, and most streams drain
into the Catawba River or its major tributary, the South
Fork Catawba River (13).
Water Resources
Gaston County has an abundant supply of water from
rivers, streams, lakes, and ground water. The Catawba
River and its principal tributary, the South Fork Catawba
River, are the only reliable sources within the Catawba
River basin capable of supplying large quantities of
water for domestic and industrial use. Drilled and bored
wells are used in Gaston County. Bored wells are the
most common, generally ranging from 30 to 40 feet in
depth and from 18 to 24 inches in diameter. Drilled
wells are less common, but are more reliable than
bored wells and seldom go dry. The average yield is 20
gallons per minute (14).
Climate
Prepared by the National Climatic Data Center, Asheville, North
Carolina.
Gaston County has long, hot summers because
moist tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico persistently
covers the area. Winters are cool and fairly short, with
only a rare cold wave that moderates in 1 or 2 days.
Precipitation is fairly heavy throughout the year, and
prolonged droughts are rare. Summer precipitation,
mainly afternoon thunderstorms, is adequate for all
crops.
Table 1 gives data on temperature and precipitation
for the survey area as recorded at Gastonia in the
period 1951 to 1981. Table 2 shows probable dates of
the first freeze in fall and the last freeze in spring. Table
3 provides data on length of the growing season.
In winter the average temperature is 43 degrees F,
and the average daily minimum temperature is 32
degrees. The lowest temperature on record, which
occurred at Gastonia on March 3, 1980, is -1 degree. In
summer the average temperature is 77 degrees, and
the average daily maximum temperature is 88 degrees.
The highest recorded temperature, which occurred at
Gastonia on June 28, 1954, is 107 degrees.
Growing degree days are shown in table 1. They are
equivalent to "heat units." During the month, growing
degree days accumulate by the amount that the
average temperature each day exceeds a base
temperature (50 degrees F). The normal monthly
accumulation is used to schedule single or successive
plantings of a crop between the last freeze in spring
and the first freeze in fall.
The total annual precipitation is 47 inches. Of this, 24
inches, or 50 percent, usually falls in April through
September. The growing season for most crops falls
within this period. In 2 years out of 10, the rainfall in
April through September is less than 20 inches. The
heaviest 1-day rainfall during the period of record was
4.86 inches at Gastonia on August 1, 1952.
Thunderstorms occur on about 42 days each year, and
most occur in summer.
The average seasonal snowfall is 3 inches. The
greatest snow depth at any one time during the period
of record was 4 inches. On the average, few days have
as much as 1 inch of snow on the ground. The number
of such days varies greatly from year to year.
Severe local storms, including tornadoes, strike
occasionally in or near the area. They are of short
duration and cause variable and spotty damage. Every
few years, in summer or autumn, a tropical depression
or remnant of a hurricane moving inland causes
extremely heavy rains for 1 to 3 days.
The average relative humidity in midafternoon is
about 70 percent. Humidity is higher at night, and the
average at dawn is about 80 percent. The sun shines
70 percent of the time possible in summer and 60
percent in winter. The prevailing wind is from the
southwest. Average windspeed is highest, 9 miles per
hour, in spring.
How This Survey Was Made
This survey was made to provide information about
the soils in the survey area. The information includes a
description of the soils and their location and a
discussion of the suitability, limitations, and
management of the soils for specified uses. Soil
scientists observed the steepness, length, and shape of
slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of
crops and native plants growing on the soils; and the
kinds of bedrock. They dug many holes to study the
soil profile, which is the sequence of natural layers, or
horizons, in a soil. The profile extends from the surface
down into the unconsolidated material from which the
soil formed (fig. 1). The unconsolidated material is
devoid of roots and other living organisms and has not
been changed by other biological activity.
The soils in the survey area occur in an orderly
pattern that is related to the geology, the landforms,

Gaston County, North Carolina
3
Profile of Cecil Soils
Ap - 0 to 6" yellowish red
sandy clay loam
a
2'
Bt - 6 to 45" red clay
3'
4'
3C - 45 to 58" red
clay loam
5'
C - 58 to 80" red,
loamy saprolite
611
Main Use: Cropland and urban development
Limitations: Moderate - slope and clayey
subsoil
Profile of Chewacla Soils
Profile of. Winnsboro Soils
A - 0 to 5" dark grayish
brown loam
E - 5 to 8" yellowish brown
1'
loam
Bt - 8 to 28" strong
2 brown clay
BC - 28 to 36" brown
3' and strong brown
clay loam
4 C - 36 to 60" brownish yellow,
very pale brown, reddish
yellow and strong brown, 5
loamy saprolite
6'
Main Use: Woodland and pasture
Limitations: Severe - slow permeability;
high shrink -swell
A
- 0 to 6" brown loam
Bwl
- 6 to 13" yellowish brown
fine sandy loam
Bw2
- 13 to 20" yellowish
brown loam
2
Bw3
- 20 to 32" brown clay
loam with many medium
gray mottles
3,
Bg,
- 32 to 45" grayish brown
sandy clay loam
Cg1
- 45 to 50" dark gray
4
sandy clay loam
5'
Cg2
- 50 to 60" light brownish
gray sandy clay loam
Profile of Appling Soils
Ap - 0 to 10" brown sandy loam
BA - 10 to 15" brownish yellow
sandy clay loam
Bt - 15 to 41" yellowish
brown sandy clay
BC - 41 to 48" yellowish
brown sandy clay loam
c - 48 to 60" red, reddish
yellow, and light yellowish
brown loamy saprolite
6' LJ 6'1J
Main Use: Woodland Main Use: Cropland and urban development
Limitations: Wetness; flooding Limitations: Clayey subsoil
Figure I. —Soil profile, main use, and limitations of four contrasting soils in Gaston County.
relief, climate, and the natural vegetation of the area.
Each kind of soil is associated with a particular kind of
landscape or with a segment of the landscape. By
observing the soils in the survey area and relating their
position to specific segments of the landscape, a soil
scientist develops a concept, or model, of how the soils
were formed. Thus, during the process of mapping, this
model enables the soil scientist to predict with
considerable accuracy the kind of soil at a specific
location on the landscape.

4
Soil Survey
Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge
into one another as their characteristics gradually
change. To construct an accurate soil map, however,
soil scientists must determine the boundaries between
the soils. They can observe only a limited number of
soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations,
supplemented by an understanding of the soil -
landscape relationship, are sufficient to verify
predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to
determine the boundaries.
Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the soil
profiles that they studied. They noted soil color, texture,
size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and amount of
rock fragments, distribution of plant roots, acidity, and
other features that enable them to identify soils. After
describing the soils in the survey area and determining
their properties, the soil scientists assigned the soils to
taxonomic classes (units). Taxonomic classes are
concepts. Each taxonomic class has a set of soil
characteristics with precisely defined limits. The classes
are used as a basis for comparison to classify soils
systematically. The system of taxonomic classification
used in the United States is based mainly on the kind
and character of soil properties and the arrangement of
horizons within the profile. After the soil scientists
classified and named the soils in the survey area, they
compared the individual soils with similar soils in the
same taxonomic class in other areas so that they could
confirm data and assemble additional data based on
experience and research.
While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some
of the soils in the area are generally collected for
laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soil
scientists interpreted the data from these analyses and
tests as well as the field -observed characteristics and
the soil properties in terms of expected behavior of the
soils under different uses. Interpretations for all of the
soils were field tested through observation of the soils
in different uses under different levels of management.
Some interpretations are modified to fit local conditions,
and new interpretations sometimes are developed to
meet local needs. Data were assembled from other
sources, such as research information, production
records, and field experience of specialists. For
example, data on crop yields under defined levels of
management were assembled from farm records and
from field or plot experiments on the same kinds of soil.
Predictions about soil behavior are based not only on
soil properties but also on such variables as climate
and biological activity. Soil conditions are predictable
over long periods of time, but they are not predictable
from year to year. For example, soil scientists can state
with a fairly high degree of probability that a given soil
will have a high water table within certain depths in
most years, but they cannot assure that a high water
table will always be at a specific level in the soil on a
specific date.
After soil scientists located and identified the
significant natural bodies of soil in the survey area, they
drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial
photographs and identified each as a specific map unit.
Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields, roads,
and rivers, all of which help in locating boundaries
accurately.
Map Unit Composition
A map unit delineation on a soil map represents an
area dominated by one major kind of soil or an area
dominated by several kinds of soil. A map unit is
identified and named according to the taxonomic
classification of the dominant soil or soils. Within a
taxonomic class there are precisely defined limits for
the properties of the soils. On the landscape, however,
the soils are natural objects. In common with other
natural objects, they have a characteristic variability in
their properties. Thus, the range of some observed
properties may extend beyond the limits defined for a
taxonomic class. Areas of soils of a single taxonomic
class rarely, if ever, can be mapped without including
areas of soils of other taxonomic classes.
Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soil or
soils for which it is named and some soils that belong to
other taxonomic classes. In the detailed soil map units,
these latter soils are called inclusions or included soils.
In the general soil map units, they are called soils of
minor extent.
Most inclusions have properties and behavioral
patterns similar to those of the dominant soil or soils in
the map unit, and thus they do not affect use and
management. These are called noncontrasting (similar)
inclusions. They may or may not be mentioned in the
map unit descriptions. Other inclusions, however, have
properties and behavior divergent enough to affect use
and management. These are contrasting (dissimilar)
inclusions. They generally occupy small areas and
cannot be shown separately on the soil maps because
of the scale used in mapping. The inclusions of
contrasting soils are mentioned in the map unit
descriptions. A few may not have been observed, and
consequently are not mentioned in the descriptions,
especially where the soil pattern was so complex that it
was impractical to make enough observations to identify
all of the kinds of soils on the landscape.

Gaston County, North Carolina
5
The presence of inclusions in a map unit in no way
diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the soil data
The objective of soil mapping is not to delineate pure
taxonomic classes of soils but rather to separate the
landscape into segments that have similar use and
management requirements, The delineation of such
landscape segments on the map provides sufficient
information for the development of resource plans, but
onsite investigation is needed to plan for intensive uses
in small areas.

General Soil Map Units
The general soil map at the back of this publication
shows broad areas that have a distinctive pattern of
soils, relief, and drainage. Each map unit on the general
soil map is a unique natural landscape. Typically, a map
unit consists of one or more major soils and some
minor soils. It is named for the major soils. The soils
making up one unit can occur in other units but in a
different pattern.
The general soil map can be used to compare the
suitability of large areas for general land uses. Areas of
suitable soils can be identified on the map. Likewise,
areas where the soils are not suitable can be identified.
Because of its small scale, the map is not suitable for
planning the management of a farm or field or for
selecting a site for a road or a building or other
structure. The soils in any one map unit differ from
place to place in slope, depth, drainage, and other
characteristics that affect management.
The general soil map delineations in the vicinity of
U.S. Highway 321 do not join with the published survey
of York County, South Carolina, because of changes in
dominance of similar soil series across the state
boundary.
1. Cecil-Pacolet
Gently sloping to steep, well drained soils that have a
loamy surface layer and a predominantly clayey subsoil;
formed in residuum weathered from felsic igneous and
metamorphic rock
These soils are mainly in the central and
northwestern parts of the county. The landscape is
broad ridges and side slopes (fig. 2). This map unit
makes up 28 percent of the county. It is about 50
percent Cecil soils, 25 percent Pacolet soils, and 25
percent soils of minor extent.
The Cecil soils are on broad ridges and strongly
sloping side slopes. They have a yellowish red sandy
clay loam surface layer and a red, predominantly clay
subsoil.
The Pacolet soils are on strongly sloping to steep
side slopes and narrow ridges. They have a brown
sandy loam or yellowish red sandy clay loam surface
layer and a red, predominantly clay subsoil.
The soils of minor extent include Gaston, Madison,
and Wedowee soils on ridges and side slopes and
Helena and Worsham soils at the head of drainageways
and along drainageways.
The Cecil soils are used mainly as cropland or
pasture. The Pacolet soils are used mostly as
woodland. The hazard of erosion and steepness of
slope are the main limitations for use and management.
2. Cecil -Urban land
Gently sloping to strongly sloping, well drained soils and
urban land; soils have a loamy surface layer and a
predominantly clayey subsoil; formed in residuum from
felsic igneous and metamorphic rock
This map unit, which makes up 18 percent of the
county, is in the commercial, industrial, and residential
areas of Gastonia and other communities. The map unit
is about 38 percent Cecil soils, 30 percent urban land,
and 32 percent soils of minor extent.
The Cecil soils are on gently sloping broad ridges
and strongly sloping side slopes. They have a yellowish
red sandy clay loam surface layer and a red,
predominantly clay subsoil.
The Urban land part of this map unit consists of
areas of impervious cover.
The soils of minor extent include Appling soils that
are mainly in southwest Gastonia, Tatum soils that are
mainly around Bessemer City, and Gaston soils that are
mainly around Belmont and Mount Holly. Also included
are Helena and Worsham soils at the head of
drainageways and along drainageways.
The soils of this map unit are mainly in urban use.
The hazard of erosion, steepness of slope, and surface
runoff are the main limitations.

8 Soil Survey
— — Cecil
Cecil _ \ Pacol t
Cecil
acolet
l rlsic iyueutn or meiamorphic rock
Figure 2.—The relationship of soils and landscape in the Cecil-Pacolet map unit.
3. Tatum
Gently sloping to moderately steep, well drained soils
that have a gravelly loamy surface layer and a
predominantly clayey subsoil, formed in residuum
weathered from sericite schist and phyllite
These soils are mainly in the southwestern to west
central part of the county. The landscape is gently
sloping, broad to narrow ridges and strongly sloping to
moderately steep side slopes. This map unit makes up
16 percent of the county. It is about 89 percent Tatum
soils, and 11 percent soils of minor extent.
The Tatum soils have a brown gravelly loam surface
layer and a red, predominantly clay subsoil.
The soils of minor extent include Alamance Variant
and Gaston soils on ridges and side slopes, Lignum
soils at the head of drainageways and along
drainageways, and the very bouldery Uwharrie soils on
Crowders Mountain and the Pinnacle.
About three -fourths of the acreage of this map unit is
woodland. The rest is used mainly as cropland or
pasture, and some small areas are in urban
development. The hazard of erosion, steepness of
slope, and the moderate shrink -swell potential are the
main concerns in use and management.
4. Gaston -Winnsboro -Cecil
Gently sloping to moderately steep, well drained soils
that have a loamy surface layer and a predominantly
clayey subsoil, formed in residuum weathered from
intermediate, mafic, and felsic igneous and metamorphic
rock
These soils are mainly in the eastern part of the
county. Two smaller areas are in the western part. The
landscape consists of broad to narrow ridges and side
slopes. This map unit makes up 16 percent of the
county. It is about 70 percent Gaston soils, 9 percent
Winnsboro soils, 8 percent Cecil soils, and 13 percent
soils of minor extent.
The Gaston soils are on gently sloping, broad to
narrow ridges and on strongly sloping to moderately
steep side slopes. They formed in residuum weathered
from intermediate rock (fig. 3). These soils have a dark
reddish brown sandy clay loam or loam surface layer
and a dark red and red, predominantly clay subsoil.
The Winnsboro soils are on gently sloping, broad to
narrow ridges and strongly sloping side slopes. They
formed in residuum weathered from mafic rock.
Winnsboro soils are dominant in the area northwest of
Mount Holly. These soils have a dark grayish brown

Gaston County, North Carolina
9
Cecil
Gaston �.
Gaston
Winnsboro
Gaston relsir hic loci'
G / njeto11101
�Jj1O"nOrPhic J1�Jh
9 e�IUS c
I�eflllLCliO�`
Figure 3.—The relationship of soils, landscape, and geology in the Gaston -Winnsboro -Cecil map unit.
loam sutlace layer and a strong brown and brown,
predominantly clay subsoil.
The Cecil soils are on the higher parts of gently
sloping, broad ridges and on strongly sloping side
slopes. They formed in residuum weathered from felsic
rock. These soils have a yellowish red sandy ciay loam
surface layer and a red, predominantly clay subsoil.
The soils of minor extent include Madison and
Pacolet soils on ridges and side slopes, Wilkes soils on
narrow ridgetops and shoulder slopes, and Helena and
Worsham soils at the head of drainageways and along
drainageways.
Gently sloping areas of Gaston and Cecil soils are
used mainly as cropland or pasture. The rest of the
acreage in this map unit is used mostly as woodland.
The hazard of erosion and steepness of slope are
limitations for use and management in addition to the
moderate shrink -swell potential of Gaston soils and the
high shrink -swell potential and slow permeability of
Winnsboro soils.
5. Appling-Wedowee-Pacolet
Gently sloping to steep, well drained soils that have a
loamy surface layer and a predominantly clayey subsoil;
formed in residuum weathered from felsic igneous and
metamorphic rock
These soils are mainly in the northeastern and
northwestern parts of the county. A small area is in the
south central part. The landscape is broad ridges,
narrow ridges, and side slopes (fig. 4). This map unit
makes up 8 percent of the county. It is about 47 percent

In
Soil Survey
Figure 4.—The relationship of soils and landscape in the Appling-Wedowee-Pacolet map unit.
Appling soils, 21 percent Wedowee soils, 20 percent
Pacolet soils, and 12 percent soils of minor extent.
The Appling soils are on gently sloping, broad ridges
They have a brown sandy loam surface layer. The
subsoil is predominantly yellowish brown sandy clay.
The Wedowee soils are on strongly sloping side
slopes and narrow ridges. They have a grayish brown
sandy loam surface layer and a strong brown
predominantly sandy clay subsoil.
The Pacolet soils are on strongly sloping to steep
side slopes and narrow ridges. They have a brown
sandy loam or yellowish red sandy clay loam surface
layer and a red, predominantly clay subsoil.
The soils of minor extent include Cecil, Madison, and
Vance soils on ridges and side slopes and Helena and
Worsham soils around the head of drainageways and
along drainageways.
The Appling soils are used mainly as cropland or
pasture. The Wedowee and Pacolet soils are used
mostly as woodland. The hazard of erosion and
steepness of slope are the main concerns in use and
management of these soils. In addition, moderate
shrink -swell potential is a limitation for Wedowee soils.
6. Madison
Gently sloping to moderately steep, well drained soils
that have a loamy surface layer and a predominantly
clayey subsoil; formed in residuum weathered from felsic
micaceous metamorphic rock
These soils are mainly in the northeastern, central,
and southwestern parts of the county. The landscape is
gently sloping, broad to narrow ridges and strongly
sloping to moderately steep side slopes. This map unit
makes up 7 percent of the county. It is about 75 percent
Madison soils and 25 percent soils of minor extent.
Madison soils have a yellowish red sandy clay loam
or yellowish brown sandy loam surface layer. The
subsoil is predominantly red clay. The content of mica
flakes is high.
The soils of minor extent include Cecil, Gaston,
Pacolet, and Wedowee soils on ridges and side slopes
and Helena and Worsham soils around the head of
drainageways and along drainageways.
The strongly sloping and moderately steep areas are
mostly woodland. Gently sloping areas are used mainly
as cropland or pasture. The hazard of erosion and

Gaston County, North Carolina
11
X
X X
ehewacla
X X
X
Upland sorts
X X
X
X
X X
X
X
X X
X
X
X X
X X
X
X
X X x
X X
X
X
X X X X
Seaso
X X
X
X
X X X X
X X
X X
X
X
X Bedrock
X x X X X X ,
X X
X
X
X x X X
x X X X x X X x
X x
X
X
X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X
X X
X
X
X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
congaree
Stream
nal hrylr wafer luive
•• Re, ent alluvium .. •. - .
X X X X•
Figure 5.—The relationship of soils and landscape in the Chewacla-Congaree map unit.
steepness of slope are the main concerns in use and
management.
7. Chewacla-Congaree
Nearly level, somewhat poorly drained to well drained
soils that have a loamy surface layer and a loamy
subsoil; formed in recent alluvium
These soils are on flood plains along major streams
in the county. The areas are long and narrow and are at
the lowest elevations. This map unit makes up 7
percent of the county. It is about 70 percent Chewacla
soils, 20 percent Congaree soils, and i 0 percent soils
of minor extent.
Chewacla soils are somewhat poorly drained. They
are in the lower areas away from the larger stream
channels (fig. 5). Chewacla soils have a brown loam
surface layer. The subsoil is yellowish brown, brown,
and grayish brown fine sandy loam, loam, clay loam,
and sandy clay loam.
The Congaree soils are well drained or moderately
well drained. They are in slightly higher places near the
larger stream channels. Congaree soils have a brown
loam surface layer. The underlying material is brown,
strong brown, dark yellowish brown, yellowish brown,
and light brownish gray fine sandy loam, loam, and silty
clay loam.
The soils of minor extent are Helena and Worsham
soils around the head of drainageways and along
drainageways that join this map unit.
Chewacla soils are used mostly as woodland, and
Congaree soils are used mainly as pasture or cropland.
Wetness and the hazard of flooding are the main
limitations.

13
Detailed Soil Map Units
The map units on the detailed soil maps at the back
of this survey represent the soils in the survey area.
The map unit descriptions in this section, along with the
soil maps, can be used to determine the suitability and
potential of a soil for specific uses. They also can be
used to plan the management needed for those uses.
More information on each map unit, or soil, is given
under ''Use and Management of the Soils."
Each map unit on the detailed soil maps represents
an area on the landscape and consists of one or more
soils for which the unit is named.
A symbol identifying the soil precedes the map unit
name in the soil descriptions. Each description includes
general facts about the soil and gives the principal
hazards and limitations to be considered in planning for
specific uses.
Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make up
a soil series. Except for differences in texture of the
surface layer or of the underlying material, all the soils
of a series have major horizons that are similar in
composition, thickness, and arrangement.
Soils of one series can differ in texture of the surface
layer or of the underlying material. They also can differ
in slope, stoniness, wetness, degree of erosion, and
other characteristics that affect their use. On the basis
of such differences, a soil series is divided into soil
phases. Most of the areas shown on the detailed soil
maps are phases of soil series. The name of a soil
phase commonly indicates a feature that affects use or
management. For example, Gaston sandy clay loam, 2
to 8 percent slopes, eroded, is one of several phases in
the Gaston series.
Some map units are made up of two or more major
soils. These map units are called soil complexes.
A soil complex consists of two or more soils in such
an intricate pattern or in such small areas that they
cannot be shown separately on the soil maps. The
pattern and proportion of the soils are somewhat similar
in all areas. Cecil -Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent
slopes, is an example.
Most map units include small scattered areas of soils
other than those for which the map unit is named.
Some of these included soils have properties that differ
substantially from those of the major soil or soils. Such
differences could significantly affect use and
management of the soils in the map unit. The included
soils are identified in each map unit description. Some
small areas of strongly contrasting soils are identified by
a special symbol on the soil maps.
This survey includes miscellaneous areas. Such
areas have little or no soil material and support little or
no vegetation. Pits is an example. Miscellaneous areas
are shown on the soil maps. Some that are too small to
be shown are identified by a special symbol on the soil
maps.
Table 4 gives the acreage and proportionate extent
of each map unit. Other tables (see "Summary of
Tables") give properties of the soils and the limitations,
capabilities, and potentials for many uses. The Glossary
defines many of the terms used in describing the soils.
AmB—Alamance Variant gravelly loam, 2 to 8
percent slopes. This soil is well drained. It is on broad
ridges in the Kings Mountain belt that includes
Crowders Mountain, Pasour Mountain, and Spencer
Mountain. The areas are irregular in shape and range
from 4 to 40 acres.
Typically, this soil has a dark grayish brown gravelly
loam surface layer that is about 4 inches thick. The
subsurface layer is strong brown gravelly loam to a
depth of about 8 inches. The subsoil extends to a depth
of about 34 inches. It is strong brown silt loam in the
upper part and brownish yellow silt loam in the lower
part. The underlying material to a depth of 45 inches is
multicolored saprolite that has a silt loam texture.
Weathered schist bedrock is between depths of 45 and
60 inches.
Permeability is moderate, and the shrink -swell
potential is low. The water table is not within a depth of
6 feet. Depth to weathered bedrock typically ranges
from 40 to 60 inches. This soil is strongly acid or very

14
Soil Survey
strongly acid unless lime has been added. The hazard
of erosion is moderate in bare, unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Lignum and Tatum soils. The Lignum soils are
moderately well drained to somewhat poorly drained
and are very slowly permeable. They are on toe slopes
along intermittent drainageways. The Tatum soils, on
small knolls and ridgetops, are red and clayey. In
places are some areas of Alamance Variant soils that
have a loam or silt loam surface layer and some
moderately eroded areas that have a silty clay loam
surface layer. Special map symbols indicate small areas
of stony or severely eroded soils and large gullies. The
included soils make up 15 to 20 percent of this map
unit.
This Alamance Variant soil is used mainly as
woodland. The rest is used mainly as cropland or
pasture. A few small areas are in urban uses.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are chestnut oak, southern red oak, northern red oak,
red maple, white oak, loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, and
hickory. Common understory plants are flowering
dogwood, sourwood, American holly, eastern redcedar,
black cherry, mountain laurel, and common greenbrier.
There are no major limitations for woodland use and
management.
Where this soil is cultivated, the main crops are corn,
soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope,
surface runoff, and susceptibility to erosion are the main
limitations. Conservation practices that reduce erosion
and add organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and
ladino clover are the main forage plants where this soil
is used for hay or pasture.
Although there are few limitations for building site
development, steepness of slope is a limitation for small
commercial buildings and moderate permeability and
depth to bedrock are the main limitations for septic tank
absorption fields. The hazard of erosion is moderate
where vegetation is removed at construction sites, and
erosion control practices are needed. Low strength is a
limitation for local roads and streets. Small stones limit
the use of this soil for recreational development.
This Alamance Variant soil is in capability subclass
Ile. The woodland ordination symbol is 7A for loblolly
pine.
AmD—Alamance Variant gravelly loam, 8 to 15
percent slopes. This soil is well drained. It is on narrow
ridges and side slopes in the Kings Mountain belt that
includes Crowders Mountain, Pasour Mountain, and
Spencer Mountain. The areas are oblong, are irregular
in width, and range from 4 to 25 acres.
Typically, this soil has a dark grayish brown gravelly
loam surface layer that is about 4 inches thick. The
subsurface layer is strong brown gravelly loam to a
depth of about 8 inches. The subsoil extends to a depth
of about 34 inches. It is strong brown silt loam in the
upper part and brownish yellow silt loam in the lower
part. The underlying material to a depth of 45 inches is
multicolored saprolite that has a silt loam texture.
Weathered schist bedrock is between depths of 45 and
60 inches.
Permeability is moderate, and the shrink -swell
potential is low. The water table is not within a depth of
6 feet. Depth to weathered bedrock typically ranges
from 40 to more than 60 inches. This soil is strongly
acid or very strongly acid unless lime has been added.
The hazard of erosion is severe in bare, unprotected
areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Tatum soils that are red and clayey. These soils are on
the upper part of slopes. In places are areas of
Alamance Variant soils that have a loam or silt loam
surface layer and some moderately eroded areas that
have a silty clay loam surface layer. Special map
symbols indicate small areas of stony or severely
eroded soils and large gullies. The included soils make
up 15 to 20 percent of this map unit.
This Alamance Variant soil is used mainly as
woodland. The rest is used mainly as cropland or
pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are chestnut oak, southern red oak, northern red oak,
white oak, loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, red maple, and
hickory. Common understory plants are flowering
dogwood, sourwood, American holly, eastern redcedar,
mountain laurel, black cherry, red maple, and sassafras.
There are no major limitations for woodland use and
management.
Where this soil is cultivated, the main crops are corn,
soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope,
surface runoff, and susceptibility to erosion are the main
limitations. Conservation practices that reduce erosion
and add organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and
ladino clover are the main forage plants where this soil
is used as pasture.
Steepness of slope is the main limitation for building
site development. The hazard of erosion is severe
where vegetation is removed at construction sites, and
erosion control practices are needed. Moderate
permeability, steepness of slope, and depth to bedrock
are the main limitations for septic tank absorption fields.
Low strength is a limitation for local roads and streets.

Gaston County, North Carolina
15
Steepness of slope and small stones are the main
limitations for recreational development.
This Alamance Variant soil is in capability subclass
IVe. The woodland ordination symbol is 7A for loblolly
pine.
ApB—Appling sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes.
This soil is well drained. It is on broad, smooth ridges
throughout the county. Some of the larger areas are
southeast of Gastonia and east of Cherryville. The
areas are irregular in shape and range from 4 to 100
acres.
Typically, this soil has a brown sandy loam surface
layer that is about 10 inches thick. The subsoil extends
to a depth of about 48 inches. It is brownish yellow
sandy clay loam in the upper part and yellowish brown
sandy clay in the middle part. The lower part is
yellowish brown sandy clay loam mottled with red,
yellow, and strong brown. The underlying material to a
depth of 60 inches is multicolored saprolite that has a
sandy clay loam texture.
Permeability is moderate, and the shrink -swell
potential is low. The water table is not within a depth of
6 feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 6 feet, This soil is
strongly acid or very strongly acid unless lime has been
added. The hazard of erosion is moderate in bare,
unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Cecil, Helena, Vance, and Wedowee soils. The Cecil
soils are red and moderately eroded. They are on small
knolls and ridgetops. The Helena soils, along
intermittent drainageways, are moderately well drained
and slowly permeable. The Vance soils are slowly
permeable and are in intermingled areas, in saddles,
and on toe slopes. The Wedowee soils, on narrow side
slopes, have a thinner, clayey subsoil. Some
intermingled areas of soils east of Cherryville have a
high content of mica and a thinner subsoil. Special map
symbols indicate small areas of severely eroded or very
gravelly soils, wet spots, and large gullies. The included
soils make up 10 to 15 percent of this map unit.
This Appling soil is used mainly as cropland or
pasture. The rest is used mainly as woodland or is in
urban uses.
The main crops are corn, soybeans, and small
grains. Steepness of slope, surface runoff, and
susceptibility to erosion are the main limitations.
Conservation practices that reduce erosion and add
organic matter are needed (fig. 6). Tall fescue and
ladino clover are the main forage plants where this soil
is used for hay or pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, southern
red oak, white oak, hickory, sweetgum, and yellow
poplar. Common understory plants are flowering
dogwood, sourwood, blackberry, eastern redcedar,
running cedar, and red maple. There are no major
limitations for woodland use and management.
There are few limitations for building site and
recreational development. The hazard of erosion is
moderate where vegetation is removed at construction
sites, and erosion control practices are needed. The
moderate permeability is the main limitation for septic
tank absorption fields.
This Appling soil is in capability subclass Ile. The
woodland ordination symbol is 8A for loblolly pine.
CeB2—Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent
slopes, eroded. This soil is well drained. It is on broad
ridges throughout the county. Some of the larger areas
are around Gastonia, Dallas, Cherryville, and Stanley.
The areas are irregular in shape and range from 10 to
200 acres.
Typically, this soil has a yellowish red sandy clay
loam surface layer that is about 6 inches thick. The
subsoil extends to a depth of about 58 inches. It is red
clay in the upper part and red clay loam in the lower
part. The underlying material to a depth of 80 inches is
red saprolite that has a loam texture.
Permeability is moderate, and the shrink -swell
potential is low. The water table is not within a depth of
6 feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 6 feet. The
surface layer is medium acid to very strongly acid
unless lime has been added. The subsoil is strongly
acid or very strongly acid. The hazard of erosion is
severe in bare, unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Appling, Gaston, Madison, and Pacolet soils. The
Appling soils are more yellow and are less eroded than
Cecil soil. They are on the more level landscapes. The
Gaston soils are dark red and are less acid. The
Madison soils have a higher content of mica and a
thinner, clayey subsoil. They occur at random within the
map unit. The Pacolet soils, on narrow ridges and side
slopes, have a thinner, clayey subsoil. In places, mostly
in hardwood forests, are some areas of slightly eroded
Cecil soils that have a sandy loam surface layer.
Special map symbols indicate small areas of very
gravelly or stony soils, wet spots, and large gullies. The
included soils make up 10 to 15 percent of this map
unit.
This Cecil soil is used mainly as cropland or pasture.
The rest is used as woodland.

16 Soil Survey
Figure 6.—A grassed waterway helps reduce erosion in an area of Appling sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes.
The main crops are corn, soybeans, and small
grains. Steepness of slope, texture of the surface layer,
surface runoff, and susceptibility to erosion are the main
limitations. Good tilth is difficult to maintain because of
the sandy clay loam surface layer. As the surface layer
dries after a hard rain, a crust commonly forms, and
clods form if the soil is worked when wet. This limitation
causes difficulties in seedbed preparation and can
affect germination, resulting in poor or uneven crop
growth. Conservation practices that reduce erosion and
add organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and ladino
clover are the main forage plants where this soil is used
for hay or pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, southern
red oak, northern red oak, white oak, hickory, and
yellow poplar. Common understory plants are flowering
dogwood, sourwood, American holly, black cherry,
eastern redcedar, red maple, and running cedar. The
eroded condition of the soil is the main limitation for
woodland use and management.
There are few limitations for building site and

Gaston County, North Carolina
17
recreational development; however, the hazard of
erosion is severe where vegetation is removed at
construction sites, and erosion control practices are
needed. The moderate permeability is the main
limitation for septic tank absorption fields.
This Cecil soil is in capability subclass Ille. The
woodland ordination symbol is 7C for loblolly pine.
CeD2—Cecil sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent
slopes, eroded. This soil is well drained. It is on side
slopes throughout the county. Some of the larger areas
are around Gastonia, Dallas, Cherryville, and Stanley.
The areas are irregular in shape and range from 5 to 75
acres.
Typically, this soil has a yellowish red sandy clay
loam surface layer that is about 6 inches thick. The
subsoil extends to a depth of about 58 inches. It is red
clay in the upper part and red clay loam in the lower
part. The underlying material to a depth of 80 inches is
red saprolite that has a loam texture.
Permeability is moderate, and the shrink -swell
potential is low. The water table is not within a depth of
6 feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 6 feet. The
surface layer is medium acid to very strongly acid
unless lime has been added. The subsoil is strongly
acid or very strongly acid. The hazard of erosion is
severe in bare, unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Gaston, Madison, Pacolet, and Wedowee soils. The
Gaston soils are dark red and less acid than the Cecil
soil. They are on the lower part of the slopes. The
Madison and Wedowee soils have a thinner, clayey
subsoil and occur at random within the map unit. In
addition, Madison soils have a high content of mica,
and Wedowee soils are more yellow and have a
moderate shrink -swell potential. In places, mostly in
hardwood forests, are some areas of slightly eroded
Cecil soils that have a sandy loam surface layer.
Special map symbols indicate small areas of very
gravelly or stony soils, rock outcrops, and large gullies.
The inclusions make up 10 to 15 percent of this map
unit.
This Cecil soil is used mainly as woodland. The rest
is used as cropland or pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, southern
red oak, northern red oak, white oak, yellow poplar, and
hickory. Common understory plants are flowering
dogwood, sourwood, American holly, black cherry,
eastern redcedar, red maple, and Christmas fern. The
eroded condition of the soil is the main limitation for
woodland use and management.
Where this soil is cultivated, the main crops are corn,
soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope, texture
of the surface layer, surface runoff, and the
susceptibility to erosion are the main limitations. Good
tilth is difficult to maintain because of the sandy clay
loam surface layer. As this layer dries after a hard rain,
a crust commonly forms, and clods form if the soil is
worked when wet. This limitation causes difficulties in
seedbed preparation and can affect germination,
resulting in poor or uneven crop growth. Because of the
slope, erosion is a severe hazard. Conservation
practices that reduce erosion and surface runoff and
that add organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and
ladino clover are the main forage plants where this soil
is used for hay or pasture.
Steepness of slope is the main limitation for building
site and recreational development. The hazard of
erosion is severe where vegetation is removed at
construction sites, and erosion control practices are
needed. The moderate permeability and steepness of
slope are the main limitations for septic tank absorption
fields.
This Cecil soil is in capability subclass IVe. The
woodland ordination symbol is 7C for loblolly pine.
CfB—Cecil-Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent
slopes. This map unit consists of intermingled areas of
Cecil soil and Urban land. Cecil soil is well drained. It is
on broad ridges mostly in and around Gastonia,
Cherryville, Dallas, and Stanley. Cecil soil makes up 50
to 65 percent of the map unit, and Urban land makes
up 25 to 50 percent. The areas are irregular in shape
and range from 10 to 400 acres.
Typically, this Cecil soil has a yellowish red sandy
clay loam surface layer that is about 6 inches thick. The
subsoil extends to a depth of about 58 inches. It is red
clay in the upper part and red clay loam in the lower
part. The underlying material to a depth of 80 inches is
red saprolite that has a loam texture.
This Cecil soil has moderate permeability, and the
shrink -swell potential is low. The water table is not
within a depth of 6 feet. Depth to bedrock is more than
6 feet. The surface layer is medium acid to very
strongly acid unless lime has been added. The subsoil
is strongly acid or very strongly acid. The hazard of
erosion is severe in bare, unprotected areas.
Areas of Urban land are covered with buildings,
streets, driveways, parking lots, and runways.
Included in mapping are small areas of Appling,
Gaston, Helena, and Tatum soils. The Appling soils are
less eroded and are on the smoother parts of the
landscape. The Gaston soils are dominant around

18 Soil Survey
Figure 7.—Cecil soil is well suited to building site development. This development is in an area of Cecil -Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent
slopes.
Mount Holly and Belmont. The Helena soils are along
intermittent drainageways and are moderately well
drained and slowly permeable. The Tatum soils are
dominant around Bessemer City and Kings Mountain.
Also included are small cut and fill areas where the
natural soils have been altered or covered and the
slope modified. These areas are commonly adjacent to
the Urban land. The inclusions make up 10 to 25
percent of this map unit.
There are no major limitations for building site
development and recreational development; however,
onsite investigation is needed before planning the use
and management of specific sites (fig. 7). The hazard of
erosion is severe where vegetation is removed at
construction sites, and erosion control practices are
needed. Moderate permeability is a limitation for septic
tank absorption fields.
This Cecil -Urban land complex has not been
assigned a capability subclass nor a woodland
ordination symbol.
CfD—Cecil-Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent
slopes. This map unit consists of intermingled areas of
Cecil soil and Urban land. Cecil soil is well drained. It is
on narrow ridges and side slopes mostly in and around
Gastonia, Cherryville, Dallas, and Stanley. Cecil soil
makes up 50 to 65 percent of the map unit, and Urban

Gaston County, North Carolina
19
land makes up 25 to 50 percent. The areas are oblong,
are irregular in width, and range from 4 to 20 acres.
Typically, this Cecil soil has a yellowish red sandy
clay loam surface layer that is about 6 inches thick. The
subsoil extends to a depth of about 58 inches. it is red
clay in the upper part and red clay loam in the lower
part. The underlying material to a depth of 80 inches is
red saprolite that has a loam texture.
This Cecil soil has moderate. permeability, and the
shrink -swell potential is low. The water table is not
within a depth of 6 feet. Depth to bedrock is more than
6 feet. The surface layer is medium acid to very
strongly acid unless lime has been added. The subsoil
is strongly acid or very strongly acid. The hazard of
erosion is severe in bare, unprotected areas.
Areas of Urban land are covered with buildings,
streets, driveways, and parking lots.
Included in mapping are small areas of Gaston,
Tatum, and Wedowee soils. Gaston soils are dominant
around Mount Holly and Belmont. Tatum soils are
dominant around Bessemer City and Kings Mountain.
Wedowee soils have a thinner subsoil and a moderate
shrink -swell potential and occur at random within the
map unit. Also included are small cut and fill areas
where the natural soils have been altered or covered
and the slope modified. These areas are commonly
adjacent to the Urban land. The inclusions make up 10
to 25 percent of this map unit.
Steepness of slope is the main limitation for building
site and recreational development. The hazard of
erosion is severe where vegetation is removed at
construction sites, and erosion control practices are
needed. Onsite investigation is needed before planning
the use and management of specific sites. Moderate
permeability and steepness of slope are the main
limitations for septic tank absorption fields.
This Cecil -Urban land complex has not been
assigned a capability subclass nor a woodland
ordination symbol.
CH—Chewacla loam, frequently flooded. This soil
is nearly level and is somewhat poorly drained. It is on
flood plains along creeks and rivers throughout the
county. Some of the larger areas are along Catawba
Creek, Long Creek, and the South Fork Catawba River.
In mapping, the number of observations was fewer than
in other areas because of flooding and dense
vegetation, but the detail is adequate for the expected
use of the soil. The areas are long, are irregular in
width, and range from 5 to more than 150 acres.
Typically, this soil has a brown loam surface layer
that is about 6 inches thick. The subsoil extends to a
depth of about 45 inches. It is yellowish brown fine
sandy loam and loam in the upper part, brown clay
loam in the middle part, and grayish brown sandy clay
loam in the lower part. The underlying material to a
depth of 60 inches is dark gray and light brownish gray
sandy clay loam.
Permeability is moderate, and the shrink -swell
potential is low. The seasonal high water table is within
1.5 feet of the surface, and this soil is subject to
frequent flooding for brief periods mostly during the
winter and spring. Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet.
The soil ranges from very strongly acid to slightly acid
unless lime has been added.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Congaree and Worsham soils. The Congaree soils, in
slightly higher places closer to stream channels, are
well drained. The Worsham soils are poorly drained and
clayey. They are at the base of upland slopes and
along the smaller intermittent drainageways. Also
included are some small areas of poorly drained loamy
soils in depressions. The included soils make up 10 to
25 percent of this map unit.
This Chewacla soil is used mainly as woodland. The
rest is used mainly as cropland or pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, yellow poplar, American sycamore,
sweetgum, water oak, blackgum, green ash, and
eastern cottonwood. Common understory plants are
flowering dogwood, willow, sourwood, American holly,
arrowhead, and poison ivy. Wetness is the main
limitation for woodland use and management.
Where this soil is cultivated, the main crops are corn,
soybeans, and small grains. Wetness and the hazard of
flooding are the main limitations. Crops are subject to
damage if they are not protected from flooding. Tall
fescue and ladino clover are the main forage plants
where this soil is used for pasture. Drainage and flood
prevention are needed, but the drainage systems are
limited because of a lack of suitable outlets.
This soil generally is not used for building sites,
sanitary facilities, and recreational development
because of wetness and flooding.
This Chewacla soil is in capability subclass IVw. The
woodland ordination symbol is 9W for sweetgum.
Co —Congaree loam, occasionally flooded. This soil
is well drained or moderately well drained. It is in nearly
level areas on flood plains along creeks and rivers
throughout the county. Some of the larger areas are
along Catawba Creek, Long Creek, and the South Fork
Catawba River. The areas are long, are irregular in
width, and range from 5 to 75 acres.

20
Soil Survey
Typically, this soil has a brown loam surface layer
that is about 8 inches thick. The underlying material to
a depth of 62 inches is alternating layers of strong
brown fine sandy loam, dark yellowish brown loam,
strong brown silty clay loam, brown loam, yellowish
brown silty clay loam, and light brownish gray fine
sandy loam.
Permeability is moderate, and the shrink -swell
potential is low. The seasonal high water table is at a
depth of 2.5 to 4.0 feet. This soil is subject to
occasional flooding for brief periods during winter and
spring. Depth to bedrock is more than 10 feet. The soil
ranges from very strongly acid to neutral unless lime
has been added.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Chewacla and Worsham soils. The Chewacla soils are
somewhat poorly drained. They are in slightly lower
places, generally away from the stream channel. The
Worsham soils are poorly drained. They are at the base
of slopes or along the smaller intermittent
drainageways. A few areas of loamy soils that are well
drained and that have bedrock at a depth of 3 to 6 feet
are along the more narrow flood plains. Also included
are a few areas of sandy soils along the stream
channel. The included soils make up 15 to 20 percent
of this map unit.
This Congaree soil is used mainly as cropland or
pasture. The rest is used as woodland.
Where this soil is cultivated, the major crops are
corn, soybeans, and small grains. These crops can be
damaged by occasional flooding. Tall fescue and ladino
clover are the main pasture forage plants.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are yellow poplar, American sycamore, water oak,
willow oak, sweetgum, eastern cottonwood, and loblolly
pine. Common understory plants are flowering
dogwood, boxelder, sourwood, American holly, green
ash, red mulberry, and poison ivy. There are no major
limitations for woodland use and management.
This soil generally is not used for building sites and
sanitary facilities because of wetness and occasional
flooding. The hazard of flooding is a moderate limitation
for most recreational development and a severe
limitation for camp areas.
This Congaree soil is in capability subclass Ilw. The
woodland ordination symbol is 10A for sweetgum.
Ga132—Gaston sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent
slopes, eroded. This soil is well drained. It is on broad
ridges throughout the county. The most extensive areas
are southeast of Belmont and in the northeastern part of
the county. The areas are irregular in shape and range
from 10 to 200 acres.
Typically, this soil has a dark reddish brown sandy
clay loam surface layer that is about 6 inches thick. The
subsoil extends to a depth of about 57 inches. It is dark
red clay in the upper part, red clay in the middle part,
and red clay loam in the lower part. The underlying
material to a depth of 72 inches is multicolored saprolite
that has a loam texture.
Permeability and the shrink -swell potential are
moderate. The water table is not within a depth of 6
feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 6 feet. This soil is
strongly acid to slightly acid unless lime has been
added. The hazard of erosion is severe in bare,
unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Cecil, Madison, Pacolet, Wilkes, and Winnsboro soils.
The Cecil soils, on the higher ridgetops, are less plastic
than the Gaston soil. The Madison soils have a high
content of mica and a thinner, clayey subsoil. They
occur at random within the map unit. The Wilkes soils
have weathered bedrock within 20 inches of the
surface. They are on the lower part of the slopes and at
the end of ridges. The Winnsboro soils are browner and
slowly permeable. They are on the lower part of the
slopes and along small drainageways. In hardwood
forests are some slightly eroded areas of Gaston soils
that have a fine sandy loam or loam surface layer.
Special map symbols indicate small areas of very
gravelly soils, wet spots, and large gullies. The included
soils make up 10 to 20 percent of this map unit.
This Gaston soil is used mainly as cropland or
pasture. The rest is used as woodland.
Where this soil is cultivated, the main crops are corn,
soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope, texture
of the surface layer, surface runoff, and susceptibility to
erosion are the main limitations. Good tilth is difficult to
maintain because of the sandy clay loam surface layer.
As this layer dries after a hard rain, a crust commonly
forms, and clods form if the soil is worked when wet.
This limitation makes seedbed preparation difficult and
can affect germination, resulting in poor or uneven crop
growth. Conservation practices that reduce erosion (fig.
8) and add organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and
ladino clover are the main forage plants where this soil
is used for hay or pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, northern
red oak, southern red oak, white oak, hickory, yellow
poplar, and sweetgum. Common understory plants are
flowering dogwood, sourwood, winged elm, American
holly, black cherry, eastern redcedar, eastern redbud,

Gaston County, North Carolina 21
Figure 8.—Striperopping on Gaston sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, eroded, is an effective soil and water conservation practice.
red maple, running cedar, poison ivy, and honeysuckle.
The eroded condition of the soil is the main limitation
for woodland use and management.
Moderate shrink -swell potential is the main limitation
for dwellings or small commercial buildings.
Foundations should be designed to resist cracking
because the subsoil shrinks and swells during changes
in moisture. The hazard of erosion is severe where
vegetation is removed at construction sites, and erosion
control practices are needed. Moderate permeability is
a limitation for septic tank absorption fields. Low
strength is a limitation for local roads and streets. There
are few limitations for recreational development.
This Gaston soil is in capability subclass Ille. The
woodland ordination symbol is 8C for loblolly pine.
GaD2—Gaston sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent
slopes, eroded. This soil is well drained. It is on side
slopes and narrow ridges throughout the county, but the
most extensive areas are southeast of Belmont and in
the northeastern part of the county. The areas are
oblong, are irregular in width, and range from 5 to 100
acres.
Typically, this soil has a dark reddish brown sandy
clay loam surface layer that is about 6 inches thick. The
subsoil extends to a depth of about 57 inches. It is dark
red clay in the upper part, red clay in the middle part,
and red clay loam in the lower part. The underlying
material to a depth of 72 inches is multicolored saprolite
that has a loam texture.
Permeability and the shrink -swell potential are
moderate. The water table is not within a depth of 6

22
Soil Survey
feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 6 feet. The soil is
strongly acid to slightly acid unless lime has been
added. The hazard of erosion is severe in bare,
unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Cecil, Madison, Pacolet, Wilkes, and Winnsboro soils.
The Cecil soils, on ridgetops and the higher part of the
slopes, are less plastic than the Gaston soil. The
Madison and Pacolet soils have a thinner, clayey
subsoil. They occur at random within the map unit. The
Wilkes soils have weathered bedrock within 20 inches
of the surface. They are at the end of ridges and on the
lower part of the slopes. The Winnsboro soils are
browner than the Gaston soil and are slowly permeable.
They are on the lower part of the slopes and along
small drainageways, In hardwood forests are some
slightly eroded areas of Gaston soils that have a fine
sandy loam or loam surface layer, Special map symbols
indicate small areas of very gravelly or stony soils, rock
outcrops, and large gullies. The inclusions make up 10
to 20 percent of this map unit.
This Gaston soil is used mainly as woodland. The
rest is used as cropland or pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, southern
red oak, northern red oak, white oak, hickory, yellow
poplar, and sweetgum. Common understory plants are
flowering dogwood, sourwood, winged elm, American
holly, eastern redcedar, red maple, Christmas fern,
Virginia creeper, and running cedar. The eroded
condition of the soil is the main limitation for woodland
use and management.
Where this soil is cultivated, the major crops are
corn, soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope,
texture of the surface layer, surface runoff, and
susceptibility to erosion are the main limitations. Good
tilth is difficult to maintain because of the sandy clay
loam surface layer. As this layer dries after a hard rain,
a crust commonly forms, and clods form if the soil is
worked when wet. This limitation causes difficulty in
seedbed preparation and can affect germination,
resulting in poor or uneven crop growth, Conservation
practices that reduce erosion and add organic matter
are needed. Tall fescue and ladino clover are the main
forage plants where this soil is used for hay or pasture.
Moderate shrink -swell potential and steepness of
slope are the main limitations for dwellings. Steepness
of slope is the main limitation for small commercial
buildings. Foundations should be designed to resist
cracking because the subsoil shrinks and swells during
changes in moisture. The hazard of erosion is severe
where vegetation is removed at construction sites, and
erosion control practices are needed. Moderate
permeability and steepness of slope are the main
limitations for septic tank absorption fields. Low strength
is a limitation for local roads and streets. Steepness of
slope is the main limitation for recreational
development.
This Gaston soil is in capability subclass IVe. The
woodland ordination symbol is 8C for loblolly pine.
GaE—Gaston loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes. This
soil is well drained. It is on side slopes and narrow
ridges, mostly in the southeastern and northeastern
parts of the county along the Catawba and South Fork
Catawba Rivers and major creeks. The areas are
oblong, are irregular in width, and range from 5 to 50
acres.
Typically, this soil has a dark reddish brown loam
surface layer that is about 6 inches thick. The subsoil
extends to a depth of about 44 inches. It is dark red
clay in the upper part, red clay in the middle part, and
red clay loam in the lower part, The underlying material
to a depth of 62 inches is multicolored saprolite that has
a loam texture.
Permeability and the shrink -swell potential are
moderate. The water table is not within a depth of 6
feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 6 feet. This soil is
strongly acid to slightly acid unless lime has been
added. The hazard of erosion is very severe in bare,
unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Madison, Pacolet, and Wilkes soils, Madison and
Pacolet soils have a thinner, clayey subsoil and occur
at random within the map unit. Wilkes soils, on the
lower part of the slopes, have weathered bedrock within
20 inches of the surface and are at the end of narrow
ridges. In places are some moderately eroded areas of
Gaston soils that have a sandy clay loam or clay loam
surface layer, Special map symbols indicate small areas
of very gravelly or stony soils, rock outcrops, and large
gullies. The inclusions make up 15 to 25 percent of this
map unit.
This Gaston soil is used mainly as woodland. The
rest is used mainly as pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, southern
red oak, northern red oak, white oak, hickory, yellow
poplar, and sweetgum. Common understory plants are
flowering dogwood, American holly, eastern redcedar,
sourwood, eastern hophornbeam, muscadine grape,
and brackenfern. Steepness of slope and the hazard of
erosion are the main limitations for woodland use and
management.

Gaston County, North Carolina
23
Where this soil is used as pasture, tall fescue and
ladino clover are the main forage plants. Moderately
steep slopes, surface runoff, and a very severe hazard
of erosion are the main limitations. Conservation
practices that reduce runoff and erosion are needed in
cleared areas. This soil is not used as cropland.
Steepness of slope is the main limitation for building
site development, sanitary facilities, and recreational
development. The hazard of erosion is severe where
vegetation is removed at construction sites, and erosion
control practices are needed. Low strength is a
limitation for local roads and streets.
This Gaston soil is in capability subclass Vle. The
woodland ordination symbol is 9R for loblolly pine.
HeB—Helena sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes.
This soil is moderately well drained. It is on smooth
ridges, toe slopes, and along drainageways throughout
the county. The areas are irregular in shape and range
from 5 to 40 acres.
Typically, this soil has a grayish brown sandy loam
surface layer that is about 8 inches thick. The subsoil
extends to a depth of about 39 inches. It is light
yellowish brown sandy clay loam in the upper part. In
the middle part, it is pale brown and strong brown
sandy clay that has light gray mottles, and in the lower
part, it is reddish yellow sandy clay loam that has light
gray mottles. The underlying material to a depth of 60
inches is multicolored saprolite that has a sandy clay
loam texture.
Permeability is slow, and the shrink -swell potential is
high. The seasonal high water table is at a depth of 1.5
to 2.5 feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. This
soil is very strongly acid or strongly acid unless lime
has been added. The hazard of erosion is moderate in
bare, unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Appling, Vance, and Worsham soils. The Appling and
Vance soils, on small knolls and ridgetops, are well
drained. The Appling soils are more permeable than
Helena soil. The Worsham soils, in small depressions
and drainageways, are poorly drained. Also included
are small intermingled areas of soils that are less acid
than Helena soil. Special map symbols indicate small
areas of gravelly or severely eroded soils and large
gullies. The included soils make up 10 to 15 percent of
this map unit.
This Helena soil is used mainly as woodland. The
rest is used mainly as cropland or pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, yellow poplar,
sweetgum, southern red oak, northern red oak, black
oak, white oak, and hickory. Common understory plants
are flowering dogwood, eastern redcedar, American
holly, red maple, hawthorn, sassafras, common
greenbrier, blackberry, and poison ivy. Wetness is the
main limitation for woodland use and management.
When this soil is wet, logging causes compaction, deep
ruts, poor surface drainage, and lower productivity.
Where this soil is cultivated, the major crops are
corn, soybeans, and small grains. Wetness and
susceptibility to erosion are the main limitations. A
drainage system may be needed in some areas. The
most common method for drainage is open ditches. Tile
generally is not used. If the soil is wet when tilled, soil
structure is destroyed and large clods form, resulting in
ponding and a poor seedbed. Conservation practices
that reduce erosion and add organic matter are needed.
Tall fescue and ladino clover are the main forage plants
where this soil is used for hay or pasture.
High shrink -swell potential is the main limitation for
dwellings and small commercial buildings. Wetness is
an additional limitation for dwellings with basements.
Foundations should be designed to resist cracking
because the subsoil shrinks and swells during changes
in moisture. The hazard of erosion is moderate where
vegetation is removed at construction sites, and erosion
control practices are needed. Wetness and the slow
permeability are major limitations for septic tank
absorption fields. Low strength and shrink -swell
potential are the main limitations for local roads and
streets. Wetness and slow permeability are the main
limitations for most recreational development.
This Helena soil is in capability subclass Ile. The
woodland ordination symbol is 8W for loblolly pine.
HuB—Helena-Urban land complex, 1 to 6 percent
slopes. This map unit consists of intermingled areas of
Helena soil and Urban land. Helena soil is moderately
well drained. It is on smooth ridges, toe slopes, and
along drainageways. This map unit is mostly in and
around Gastonia and Cherryville. Helena soils make up
50 to 65 percent of the map unit, and Urban land
makes up 25 to 50 percent. The areas are oblong, are
irregular in width, and range from 4 to 20 acres.
Typically, this Helena soil has a grayish brown sandy
loam surface layer that is 8 inches thick. The subsoil
extends to a depth of about 39 inches. It is light
yellowish brown sandy clay loam in the upper part. In
the middle part, it is pale brown and strong brown
sandy clay that has light gray mottles, and in the lower
part, it is reddish yellow sandy clay loam that has light
gray mottles. The underlying material to a depth of 60

24
Soil Survey
inches is multicolored saprolite that has a sandy clay
loam texture.
This Helena soil has a slowly permeable, clayey
subsoil. The shrink -swell potential is high. The seasonal
high water table is within a depth of 1.5 to 2.5 feet.
Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. This soil is very
strongly acid or strongly acid unless lime has been
added. The hazard of erosion is moderate in bare,
unprotected areas.
Areas of Urban land are covered with buildings,
streets, driveways, parking lots, and runways.
Included in mapping are small areas of Appling and
Vance soils on ridges and Worsham soils in
depressions. Appling and Vance soils are well drained,
and Worsham soils are poorly drained. Also included
are small cut and fill areas where the natural soils have
been altered or covered and the slope modified. These
areas commonly are adjacent to the Urban land. The
inclusions make up 5 to 15 percent of this map unit.
High shrink -swell potential is the main limitation for
dwellings and small commercial buildings. Wetness is
an additional limitation for dwellings with basements.
Foundations should be designed to resist cracking
because the subsoil shrinks and swells during changes
in moisture. Wetness and the slow permeability are
major limitations for septic tank absorption fields. The
hazard of erosion is moderate where vegetation is
removed at construction sites, and erosion control
practices are needed. Wetness and slow permeability
are the main limitations for most recreational
development. Onsite investigation is needed before
planning the use and management of specific sites.
This Helena -Urban land complex is not assigned a
capability subclass nor a woodland ordination symbol.
LgB—Lignum silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes. This
soil is moderately well drained to somewhat poorly
drained. It is on smooth ridges, toe slopes, and along
drainageways. It is in the Kings Mountain belt that
includes Crowders Mountain, Pasour Mountain, and
Spencer Mountain. The areas are oblong, are irregular
in width, and range from 4 to 20 acres.
Typically, this soil has a grayish brown silt loam
surface layer that is about 4 inches thick. The subsoil
extends to a depth of about 36 inches. It is pale brown
silty clay loam in the upper part. In the middle part, it is
light yellowish brown clay that has light gray mottles,
and in the lower part, it is light yellowish brown, light
gray, and strong brown silty clay loam. The underlying
material to a depth of 60 inches is multicolored saprolite
that has a gravelly silty clay loam texture.
Permeability is very slow, and the shrink -swell
potential is moderate. The seasonal perched water
table is within a depth of 1.0 to 2.5 feet. Depth to
bedrock is more than 60 inches. This soil is very
strongly acid or strongly acid unless lime has been
added. The hazard of erosion is moderate in bare,
unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Alamance Variant, Tatum, and Worsham soils. The
Alamance Variant and Tatum soils are well drained and
more permeable than Lignum soil. They are on small
knolls and ridgetops. The Worsham soils, in small
depressions and drainageways, are poorly drained.
Special map symbols indicate small areas of gravelly,
stony, or severely eroded soils and large gullies. The
included soils make up 10 to 15 percent of this map
unit.
This Lignum soil is used mainly as woodland. The
rest is used mainly as cropland or pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are chestnut oak, hickory, sweetgum, white oak, loblolly
pine, Virginia pine, shortleaf pine, southern red oak,
northern red oak, and yellow poplar. Common
understory plants are witchhazel, red maple, common
greenbrier, poison ivy, running cedar, and honeysuckle.
Wetness is the main limitation for woodland use and
management. When this soil is wet, logging causes
compaction, deep ruts, poor surface drainage, and
lower productivity.
Where this soil is cultivated, the main crops are corn,
soybeans, and small grains. Wetness and susceptibility
to erosion are the main limitations. Tile generally is not
used for drainage. If the soil is wet when tilled, soil
structure is destroyed and large clods form, resulting in
ponding and a poor seedbed. Conservation practices
that reduce erosion and add organic matter are needed.
Tall fescue and ladino clover are the main forage plants
where this soil is used for hay or pasture.
Wetness is the main limitation for building site
development. Because of the moderate shrink -swell
potential, foundations should be designed to resist
cracking. The seasonal perched water table and the
slow percolation rate are a problem for septic tank
absorption fields. The hazard of erosion is severe
where vegetation is removed at construction sites, and
erosion control practices are needed. Low strength is a
limitation for local roads and streets. Wetness and slow
permeability are the main limitations for most
recreational development.
This Lignum soil is in capability subclass Ile. The
woodland ordination symbol is 7W for loblolly pine.

Gaston County, North Carolina
25
MaB2—Madison sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent
slopes, eroded. This soil is well drained. It is on broad
ridges throughout the county. Some of the larger areas
are southwest of Stanley and Gastonia. The areas are
irregular in shape and range from 10 to 80 acres.
Typically, this soil has a yellowish red sandy clay
loam surface layer that is about 4 inches thick. The
subsoil extends to a depth of about 32 inches. It is red
clay in the upper part and yellowish red clay loam in the
lower part. The underlying material to a depth of 60
inches is multicolored saprolite that has a loam texture.
Mica flakes range from common to many.
Permeability is moderate, and the shrink -swell
potential is low. The water table is not within a depth of
6 feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. This soil is
strongly acid or very strongly acid unless lime has been
added. The hazard of erosion is severe in bare,
unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Cecil and Pacolet soils. These soils occur at random
within the map unit and contain less mica than Madison
soil. In addition, Cecil soils have a thicker, clayey
subsoil. In places, mostly in hardwood forests, are
some slightly eroded areas of Madison soils that have a
sandy loam surface layer. Gullies are common along
drainageways in some areas. Special map symbols
indicate small areas of gravelly soils and the larger
gullies. The included soils make up 10 to 20 percent of
this map unit.
This Madison soil is used mainly as cropland or
pasture. The rest is used as woodland.
Where this soil is cultivated, the main crops are corn,
soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope, texture
of the surface layer, surface runoff, and susceptibility to
erosion are the main limitations. Good tilth is difficult to
maintain because of the sandy clay loam surface layer.
As this layer dries after a hard rain, a crust commonly
forms, and clods form if the soil is worked when wet.
This limitation makes seedbed preparation difficult and
can affect germination, resulting in poor or uneven crop
growth. Conservation practices that reduce erosion and
add organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and ladino
clover are the main forage plants where this soil is used
for hay or pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, southern
red oak, northern red oak, white oak, hickory, and
yellow poplar. Common understory plants are flowering
dogwood, sourwood, American holly, black cherry,
eastern redcedar, winged elm, red maple, running
cedar, and poison ivy. The eroded condition of the soil
is the main limitation for woodland use and
management.
There are no major limitations for dwellings.
Steepness of slope is a limitation for small cornmercial
buildings. Moderate permeability is the main limitation
for septic tank absorption fields. The hazard of erosion
is severe where vegetation is removed at construction
sites, and erosion control practices are needed. Low,
strength is a limitation for local roads and streets. There
are few limitations for most recreational development.
This Madison soil is in capability subclass Ille. The
woodland ordination symbol is 7C for loblolly pine.
MaD2—Madison sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent
slopes, eroded. This soil is well drained. It is on side
slopes and narrow ridges throughout the county. Some
of the larger areas are southwest of Stanley and
Gastonia. The areas of this map unit are oblong, are
irregular in width, and range from 5 to 70 acres.
Typically, this soil has a yellowish red sandy clay
loam surface layer that is about 4 inches thick. The
subsoil extends to a depth of about 36 inches. It is red
clay in the upper part and yellowish red clay loam in the
lower part. The underlying material to a depth of 60
inches is multicolored saprolite that has a loam texture.
Mica flakes range from common to many.
Permeability is moderate, and the shrink -swell
potential is low. The water table is not within a depth of
6 feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. This soil is
strongly acid or very strongly acid unless lime has been
added. The hazard of erosion is very severe in bare,
unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Cecil and Pacolet soils. These soils occur at random
within the map unit and contain less mica than Madison
soil. In addition, Cecil soils have a thicker, clayey
subsoil. In places, mostly in hardwood forests, are
some slightly eroded areas of Madison soils that have a
sandy loam surface layer. Gullies are common along
drainageways in some areas. Special map symbols
indicate small areas of gravelly or stony soils, rock
outcrops, and the larger gullies. The inclusions make up
10 to 20 percent of this map unit.
This Madison soil is used mainly as woodland. The
rest is used as cropland or pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, southern
red oak, northern red oak, white oak, hickory, and
yellow poplar. Common understory plants are flowering
dogwood, red maple, sourwood, American holly, eastern
redcedar, running cedar, honeysuckle, and brackenfern.

26
Soil Survey
The eroded condition of the soil is the main limitation
for woodland use and management.
Where this soil is cultivated, the major crops are
corn, soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope,
texture of the surface layer, surface runoff, and
susceptibility to erosion are the main limitations. Good
tilth is difficult to maintain because of the sandy clay
loam surface layer. As the surface layer dries after a
hard rain, a crust commonly forms, and clods form if the
soil is worked when wet. This limitation makes seedbed
preparation difficult and can affect germination, resulting
in poor and uneven crop growth. The hazard of erosion
is very severe. Conservation practices that reduce
erosion and surface runoff and that add organic matter
are needed. Tall fescue and ladino clover are the main
forage plants where this soil is used for hay or pasture.
Steepness of slope is the main limitation for building
site and recreational development. Steepness of slope
and moderate permeability are the main limitations for
septic tank absorption fields. The hazard of erosion is
very severe where vegetation is removed at
construction sites, and erosion control practices are
needed. Low strength is a limitation for local roads and
streets.
This Madison soil is in capability subclass IVe. The
woodland ordination symbol is 7C for loblolly pine.
MaE—Madison sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent
slopes. This soil is we!I drained. It is on side slopes and
narrow ridges throughout the county. Some of the larger
areas are southwest of Stanley and Gastonia. The
areas are oblong, are irregular in width, and range from
5 to 50 acres.
Typically, this soil has a yellowish brown sandy loam
surface layer that is about 5 inches thick. The subsoil
extends to a depth of about 38 inches. It is red clay in
the upper part and yellowish red clay loam in the lower
part. The underlying material to a depth of 60 inches is
multicolored saprolite that has a loam texture. Mica
flakes range from common to many.
Permeability is moderate, and the shrink -swell
potential is low. The water table is not within a depth of
6 feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. This soil is
strongly acid or very strongly acid unless lime has been
added. The hazard of erosion is very severe in bare,
unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Pacolet soils that occur at random within the map unit.
These soils contain less mica than the Madison soil. In
places are some intermingled areas of moderately
eroded Madison soils that have a sandy clay loam or
clay loam surface layer. Gullies are common along
drainageways in some areas. Special map symbols
indicate small areas of severely eroded or gravelly soils,
rock outcrops, and large gullies. The inclusions make
up 10 to 20 percent of this map unit.
This Madison soil is used mainly as woodland. The
rest is used mainly as pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, southern
red oak, northern red oak, white oak, hickory, yellow
poplar, and sweetgum. Common understory plants are
flowering dogwood, American holly, eastern redcedar,
sourwood, American hornbeam, and mountain laurel.
Steepness of slope and the hazard of erosion are the
main limitations for woodland use and management.
This soil generally is not used as cropland. The
moderately steep slope, surface runoff, and
susceptibility to erosion are the main limitations.
Conservation practices that reduce erosion and add
organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and ladino
clover are the main forage plants where this soil is used
for pasture.
Steepness of slope is the major limitation for building
site development, septic tank absorption fields, and
recreational development. The hazard of erosion is very
severe where vegetation is removed at construction
sites, and erosion control practices are needed. Low
strength is a limitation for local roads and streets.
This Madison soil is in capability subclass Vie. The
woodland ordination symbol is 8R for loblolly pine.
PaD2—Pacolet sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent
slopes, eroded. This soil is well drained. It is on side
slopes and narrow ridges throughout the county. The
most extensive areas are in the northwestern part of the
county. The areas are oblong, are irregular in width,
and range from 4 to 40 acres.
Typically, this soil has a yellowish red sandy clay
loam surface layer that is about 4 inches thick. The
subsoil extends to a depth of about 36 inches. It is red
clay loam in the upper part, red clay in the middle part,
and yellowish red clay loam in the lower part. The
underlying material to a depth of 60 inches is
multicolored saprolite that has a loam texture.
Permeability is moderate, and the shrink -swell
potential is low. The water table is not within a depth of
6 feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. This soil is
medium acid to very strongly acid unless lime has been
added. The hazard of erosion is severe in bare,
unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Cecil, Madison, and Wedowee soils that occur at
random within the map unit. Cecil soils have a thicker

Gaston County, North Carolina
27
clayey subsoil than the Pacolet soil. Madison soils have
a high mica content, and Wedowee soils are more
yellow and have a moderate shrink -swell potential. In
places, mostly in hardwood forests, are some areas of
slightly eroded Pacolet soils that have a sandy loam
surface layer. Special map symbols indicate small areas
of gravelly or stony soils and large gullies. The included
soils make up 10 to 20 percent of this map unit.
This Pacolet soil is used mainly as woodland. The
rest is used as cropland or pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, northern
red oak, white oak, southern red oak, yellow poplar,
sweetgum, and hickory. Common understory plants are
flowering dogwood, sourwood, American holly, black
cherry, black locust, sumac, eastern redcedar, and red
maple. The eroded condition of the soil is the main
limitation for woodland use and management.
In areas where this soil is cultivated, the main crops
are corn, soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of
slope, surface runoff, and susceptibility to erosion are
the main limitations. Good tilth is difficult to maintain
because of the sandy clay loam surface layer. As this
layer dries after a hard rain, a crust commonly forms,
and clods form if the soil is worked when wet. This
limitation causes difficulties in seedbed preparation and
can affect germination, resulting in poor or uneven crop
growth. Conservation practices that reduce erosion and
add organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and ladino
clover are the main forage plants where this soil is used
for pasture.
Steepness of slope is the main limitation for building
site development. Steepness of slope and moderate
permeability are the main limitations for septic tank
absorption fields. The hazard of erosion is severe
where vegetation is removed at construction sites, and
erosion control practices are needed. Low strength is a
limitation for local roads and streets. Steepness of slope
is the main limitation for most recreational development.
This Pacolet soil is in capability subclass IVe. The
woodland ordination symbol is 6C for loblolly pine.
PaE—Pacolet sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes.
This soil is well drained. It is on side slopes and narrow
ridges throughout the county. Some of the larger areas
are around High Shoals, north of Stanley, and in the
southeastern part of the county. The areas are oblong,
are irregular in width, and range from 5 to 50 acres.
Typically, this soil has a brown sandy loam surface
layer that is about 5 inches thick. The subsoil extends
to a depth of about 39 inches. It is red clay loam in the
upper part, red clay in the middle part, and red clay
loam in the lower part. The underlying material to a
depth of 60 inches is multicolored saprolite that has a
loam texture.
Permeability is moderate, and the shrink -swell
potential is low. The water table is not within a depth of
6 feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. This soil
ranges from medium acid to very strongly acid unless
lime has been added. The hazard of erosion is very
severe in bare, unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Madison soils. These soils have a high content of mica
and occur at random within the map unit. In places are
some moderately eroded areas of Pacolet soils that
have a sandy clay loam surface layer. Special map
symbols indicate small areas of gravelly, stony, or
severely eroded soils, rock outcrops, and large gullies.
The inclusions make up 10 to 15 percent of this map
unit.
This Pacolet soil is used mainly as woodland. The
rest is used mainly as pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, yellow
poplar, southern red oak, northern red oak, and hickory.
Common understory plants are flowering dogwood,
American holly, eastern redcedar, sourwood, and
mountain laurel. Steepness of slope and the hazard of
erosion are the main limitations for woodland use and
management.
This soil generally is not used as cropland. The
moderately steep slopes, surface runoff, and
susceptibility to erosion are the main limitations.
Conservation practices that reduce erosion and add
organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and ladino
clover are the main forage plants where this soil is used
for pasture.
Steepness of slope is the major limitation for building
site development, sanitary facilities, and recreational
development. The hazard of erosion is very severe
where vegetation is removed at construction sites, and
erosion control practices are needed.
This Pacolet soil is in capability subclass Vle. The
woodland ordination symbol is 8R for loblolly pine.
PaF—Pacolet sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes.
This soil is well drained. It is on side slopes and narrow
ridges throughout the county. The areas are oblong, are
irregular in width, and range from 5 to 15 acres.
Typically, this soil has a brown sandy loam surface
layer that is about 5 inches thick. The subsoil extends
to a depth of about 39 inches. It is red clay loam in the
upper part, red clay in the middle part, and red clay
loam in the lower part. The underlying material to a

28
Soil Survey
depth of 60 inches is multicolored saprolite that has a
loam texture.
Permeability is moderate, and the shrink -swell
potential is low. The water table is not within a depth of
6 feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. This soil
ranges from medium acid to very strongly acid unless
lime has been added. The hazard of erosion is very
severe in bare, unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Madison soils that have a high content of mica and
occur at random within the map unit. Special map
symbols indicate small areas of stony, gravelly, or
severely eroded soils, rock outcrops, and large gullies.
The inclusions make up 10 to 15 percent of this map
unit.
Nearly all of this soil is used as woodland. Common
trees are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine,
yellow poplar, northern red oak, southern red oak, and
hickory. Common understory plants are mountain laurel,
flowering dogwood, American holly, and eastern
redcedar. Steepness of slope is the main limitation for
woodland use and management.
This soil generally is not used for crops or pasture,
building site development, sanitary facilities, or
recreational development because of steepness of
slope.
This Pacolet soil is in capability subclass Vlle. The
woodland ordination symbol is 8R for loblolly pine.
Pt —Pits. Pits consist of open excavations from which
the soil and commonly the underlying material have
been removed, exposing either rock or other material
that supports few or no plants. The underlying material
has been quarried for construction aggregate or for
mineral resources, such as lithium and mica. A lithium
quarry is north of Bessemer City. The areas are
irregular in shape and range in depth to 300 feet. Pits
less than 4 acres in size are shown with a special
symbol. Parts of the pits contain water at times.
Onsite investigation is needed before planning the
use and management of specific areas of this map unit.
This map unit has not been assigned a capability
subclass nor a woodland ordination symbol.
Ro—Rock outcrop. This map unit consists of very
steep areas where bedrock, boulders, or stones cover
more than 90 percent of the surface, generally on the
highest ridges in the county. The largest areas are on
top of Crowders Mountain and Kings Mountain. The
areas are oblong, are irregular in width, and range from
4 to 40 acres. Rock outcrop is composed mostly of acid
crystalline and metamorphic rock. The vegetation is
sparse.
Included in mapping are small areas of Uwharrie
soils. These soils are on the lower part of slopes and
are very bouldery. Also included are soils that are
shallow to bedrock and are vegetated mainly with
mountain laurel and scrub pine. These soils are in the
larger cracks and fissures. The included soils make up
less than 10 percent of this map unit.
Onsite investigation is needed before planning the
use and management of specific areas of this map unit.
This map unit has not been assigned a capability
subclass nor a woodland ordination symbol.
TaB—Tatum gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes.
This soil is well drained. It is on broad ridges in the
Kings Mountain belt that includes Crowders Mountain,
Pasour Mountain, and Spencer Mountain. The areas
are irregular in shape and range from 4 to 100 acres.
Typically, this soil has a brown gravelly loam surface
layer that is about 3 inches thick. The subsurface layer
to a depth of about 6 inches is strong brown gravelly
loam. The subsoil extends to a depth of about 48
inches. It is red clay in the upper part and red clay loam
in the lower part. The underlying material to a depth of
58 inches is multicolored saprolite that has a silt loam
texture. The saprolite is underlain by weathered schist
bedrock.
Permeability and the shrink -swell potential are
moderate. The water table is not within a depth of 6
feet. Depth to weathered bedrock ranges from 40 to 60
inches. This soil is strongly acid or very strongly acid
unless lime has been added. The hazard of erosion is
moderate in bare, unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Alamance Variant and Lignum soils. Alamance Variant
soils are loamy and browner than Tatum soil and occur
at random within the map unit. Lignum soils are
moderately well drained and somewhat poorly drained.
They are very slowly permeable and are along
intermittent drainageways. In places are areas of Tatum
soils that have a loam or silt loam surface layer and
some moderately eroded areas where the surface layer
is silty clay loam. Also included are areas of soils that
are more than 60 inches to bedrock. Special map
symbols indicate small areas of stones, severely eroded
soils, wet spots, and large gullies. The included soils
make up 10 to 15 percent of this map unit.
This Tatum soil is used mainly as woodland. The rest
is used mainly as cropland or pasture. A few areas are
in urban uses.

Gaston County, North Carolina
921
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are chestnut oak, loblolly pine, Virginia pine, shortleaf
pine, yellow poplar, northern red oak, white oak,
hickory, red maple, and post oak. Common understory
plants are flowering dogwood, black cherry, sourwood,
sassafras, mountain laurel, running cedar, and common
greenbrier. There are no major limitations for woodland
use and management.
Where this soil is cultivated, the major crops are
corn, soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope,
surface runoff, and susceptibility to erosion are the main
limitations. Conservation practices that reduce erosion
and add organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and
ladino clover are the main forage plants where this soil
is used for hay or pasture.
Moderate shrink -swell potential is the main limitation
for dwellings and small commercial buildings.
Steepness of slope is an additional limitation for small
commercial buildings. Foundations should be designed
to resist cracking because the subsoil shrinks and
swells during changes in moisture. Depth to bedrock
and moderate permeability are the main limitations for
septic tank absorption fields. The hazard of erosion is
moderate where vegetation is removed at construction
sites, and erosion control practices are needed. Low
strength is the main limitation for local roads and
streets. Small stones are the main limitation for most
recreational development.
This Tatum soil is in capability subclass Ile. The
woodland ordination symbol is 8A for loblolly pine.
TaD—Tatum gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes.
This soil is well drained. It is on side slopes and narrow
ridges in the Kings Mountain belt that includes
Crowders Mountain, Pasour Mountain, and Spencer
Mountain. The areas are oblong, are irregular in width,
and range from 5 to 80 acres.
Typically, this soil has a brown gravelly loam surface
layer that is about 3 inches thick. The subsurface layer
to a depth of about 6 inches is strong brown gravelly
loam. The subsoil extends to a depth of about 48
inches. It is red clay in the upper part and red clay loam
in the lower part. The underlying material to a depth of
58 inches is multicolored saprolite that has a silt loam
texture. The saprolite is underlain by weathered schist
bedrock.
Permeability and the shrink -swell potential are
moderate. The water table is not within a depth of 6
feet. Depth to weathered bedrock ranges from 40 to 60
inches. This soil is strongly acid or very strongly acid
unless lime has been added. The hazard of erosion is
severe in bare, unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Alamance Variant soils that are loamy and browner than
Tatum soil and occur at random within the map unit. In
places are areas of Tatum soils that have a loam or silt
loam surface layer and some moderately eroded areas
where the surface layer is silty clay loam. Also included
are areas of soils that are more than 60 inches to
bedrock. Special map symbols indicate small areas of
stones, severely eroded soils, rock outcrops, and large
gullies. The inclusions make up 10 to 15 percent of this
map unit.
This Tatum soil is used mainly as woodland. The rest
is used mainly as cropland or pasture. A few areas are
in urban uses.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are chestnut oak, loblolly pine, Virginia pine, shortleaf
pine, yellow poplar, white oak, northern red oak,
hickory, red maple, and post oak. Common understory
plants are flowering dogwood, black cherry, sourwood,
mountain laurel, sassafras, running cedar, and common
greenbrier. There are no major limitations for woodland
use and management.
Where this soil is cultivated, the main crops are corn,
soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope,
surface runoff, and susceptibility to erosion are the main
limitations. Conservation practices that reduce erosion
and add organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and
ladino clover are the main forage plants where this soil
is used for hay or pasture.
Slope and shrink -swell potential are the main
limitations for dwellings. Steepness of slope is the main
limitation for small commercial buildings. Foundations
should be designed to resist cracking because the
subsoil shrinks and swells during changes in moisture.
Steepness of slope, moderate permeability, and depth
to bedrock are the main limitations for septic tank
absorption fields. The hazard of erosion is severe
where vegetation is removed at construction sites, and
erosion control practices are needed. Low strength is
the main limitation for local roads and streets.
Steepness of slope and small stones are the main
limitations for most recreational development.
This Tatum soil is in capability subclass Ille. The
woodland ordination symbol is 8A for loblolly pine.
TaE—Tatum gravelly loam, 15 to 25 percent
slopes. This soil is well drained. It is on side slopes and
narrow ridges in the Kings Mountain belt that includes
Crowders Mountain, Pasour Mountain, and Spencer
Mountain. The areas are oblong, are irregular in width,
and range from 5 to 100 acres.

30
Soil Survey
Typically, this soil has a brown gravelly loam surface
layer that is about 3 inches thick. The subsurface layer
to a depth of about 6 inches is strong brown gravelly
loam. The subsoil extends to a depth of about 48
inches. It is red clay in the upper part and red clay loam
in the lower part. The underlying material to a depth of
58 inches is multicolored saprolite that has a silt loam
texture. The saprolite is underlain by weathered schist
bedrock.
Permeability and the shrink -swell potential are
moderate. The water table is not within a depth of 6
feet. Depth to weathered bedrock ranges from 40 to 60
inches. This soil is strongly acid or very strongly acid
unless lime has been added. The hazard of erosion is
very severe in bare, unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are intermingled
areas of Uwharrie soils that are very bouldery.
Generally, they are on the upper and steepest part of
the slopes. In places are some areas of Tatum soils
that have a loam or silt loam surface layer and some
moderately eroded areas where the surface layer is silty
clay loam. Small areas of soils that have bedrock within
3 feet of the surface are also included. Special map
symbols indicate small areas of stones, severely eroded
soils, rock outcrops, and large gullies. The inclusions
make up 10 to 20 percent of this map unit.
This Tatum soil is used mainly as woodland. The rest
is used mainly as pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are chestnut oak, loblolly pine, Virginia pine, shortleaf
pine, yellow poplar, white oak, northern red oak,
hickory, red maple, and post oak. Common understory
plants are flowering dogwood, American holly,
sourwood, eastern hophornbeam, mountain laurel, and
common greenbrier. Steepness of slope and the hazard
of erosion are the main limitations for woodland use and
management.
This soil generally is not used as cropland. The
moderately steep slopes, surface runoff, and
susceptibility to erosion are the main limitations.
Conservation practices that reduce erosion and add
organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and ladino
clover are the main forage plants where this soil is used
for pasture.
Steepness of slope is the major limitation for building
site development, sanitary facilities, and recreational
development. The hazard of erosion is very severe
where vegetation is removed at construction sites, and
erosion control practices are needed. Low strength is a
limitation for local roads and streets.
This Tatum soil is in capability subclass IVe. The
woodland ordination symbol is 8R for loblolly pine.
Ud—Udorthents, loamy. This map unit consists of
areas where all the original soil has been altered by
cutting, filling, and shaping. It includes borrow areas,
landfills, mine tailings, fly ash deposits, and cut and fill
areas. Slope is highly variable. The areas are
rectangular and range from 4 to 200 acres.
Borrow areas are areas where all of the original soil
has been excavated to saprolite or bedrock for use as
fill material in construction. The cuts are as much as 25
feet deep and generally are level or gently sloping. The
sides are very steep to nearly vertical. The more
recently excavated areas are bare and subject to
accelerated erosion. The older areas are eroded, but
many have stabilized under pine or other vegetation.
These areas are generally rectangular and range from 4
to more than 50 acres.
Landfills are excavated areas where deeply graded
trenches as much as 30 feet deep have been backfilled
with alternate layers of solid refuse and soil material.
After the final cover is added, the areas are nearly level
to gently sloping. Most areas are seeded to grass or
planted in trees (fig. 9). These areas are unsuitable for
most building purposes because of subsidence and the
danger of methane gas from the decomposition of
refuse.
Mine tailings are areas where by-products of mining
have been deposited in holding ponds or piles on the
original land surface. Piles of tailings are as high as 200
feet. Vegetation is sparse, and the areas are subject to
accelerated erosion. Conservation practices to control
erosion are needed.
Fly ash deposits generally are pits or ponds where fly
ash from coal burning plants is deposited or allowed to
settle out. When the pits are full, they are covered with
as much as 3 feet of soil material and seeded to grass.
The major problems are the hazard of erosion,
sediment, and the acidity of the material.
Cut and fill areas consist of places where soil has
been removed and placed in an adjacent area.
Examples are where parts of flood plains are filled in
from adjacent hillsides and are used for farming and
where soil is removed from construction sites and
deposited nearby. These areas are subject to
accelerated erosion. Conservation practices to control
erosion are needed.
Onsite investigation is needed before planning the
use and management of specific areas of this map unit.
This map unit has not been assigned a capability
subclass nor a woodland ordination symbol.
Ur —Urban land. This map unit consists of areas
where more than 85 percent of the surface is covered

Gaston County, North Carolina 31
{
Figure 9.—Vegetation will soon cover this landfill in an area mapped as Udorthents, loamy.
with asphalt, concrete, buildings, or other impervious
cover. Most areas are in or near the business districts
of Gastonia, Dallas, Mount Holly, and Cherryville. The
areas are irregular in shape and range from 5 to 500
acres.
The original soils have been greatly altered by
cutting, filling, grading, and shaping. The original
landscape, topography, and commonly the drainage
pattern have been changed. The soils between the
urban facilities are used for lawns, playgrounds,
cemeteries, parks, or drainageways.
The major problem is excessive water runoff from
roofs, streets, and parking lots, which increases the
hazard of flooding in low-lying areas. Onsite
investigation is needed before planning the use and
management of specific areas of this map unit.
This map unit has not been assigned a capability
subclass nor a woodland ordination symbol.
UwF—Uwharrie stony loam, 25 to 45 percent
slopes, very bouldery. This soil is well drained. It is on
narrow ridgetops and side slopes in the Kings Mountain

32
Scil Survey
belt that includes Crowders Mountain, Pasour Mountain,
and Spencer Mountain. The areas are irregular in shape
and range from 5 to 60 acres.
Typically, this soil has a brown stony loam surface
layer that is about 4 inches thick. The subsoil extends
to a depth of about 40 inches. It is red clay loam in the
upper part and red silt loam in the lower part. The
underlying material to a depth of 50 inches is
multicolored saprolite that has a silt loam texture. The
saprolite is underlain by weathered schist bedrock.
Many boulders and stones are on the surface.
Permeability and the shrink -swell potential are
moderate. The water table is not within a depth of 6
feet. Depth to weathered bedrock ranges from 40 to 60
inches. This soil is medium acid to very strongly acid.
The hazard of erosion is very severe in bare,
unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are areas of Tatum
soils on the lower part of slopes. Tatum soils are less
stony than Uwharrie soil. In places are some areas of
Uwharrie soils that are moderately eroded and have a
stony silty clay loam surface layer. Special map
symbols indicate small areas of severely eroded soils
and large gullies. The included soils make up 10 to 20
percent of this map unit.
This soil is used as woodland. Common trees are
chestnut oak, white oak, southern red oak, black oak,
yellow poplar, hickory, and post oak. Common
understory plants are sourwood, American holly,
mountain laurel, Christmas fern, and brackenfern
Steepness of slope is the major limitation for woodland
use and management. Stones and boulders on the
surface are an additional limitation.
This soil is not used for crops or pasture, building
site development, sanitary facilities, or recreational
development because of the steep slopes and the many
boulders and stones on the surface.
This Uwharrie soil is in capability subclass Vlis. The
woodland ordination symbol is 5R for black oak.
VaB—Vance sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes.
This soil is well drained. It is on broad ridges throughout
the county. Some of the larger areas are southeast of
Gastonia and east of Cherryville. The areas are
irregular in shape and range from 4 to 60 acres.
Typically, this soil has a brown sandy loam surface
layer that is about 5 inches thick. The subsoil extends
to a depth of about 37 inches. It is yellowish brown clay
in the upper part, strong brown clay in the middle part,
and reddish yellow clay loam in the lower part. The
underlying material to a depth of 60 inches is
multicolored saprolite that has a loam texture,
Permeability is slow, and the shrink -swell potential is
moderate. The water table is not within a depth of 6
feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 6 feet. This soil is
strongly acid or medium acid in the surface layer unless
lime has been added. It is strongly acid or very strongly
acid in the subsoil and underlying material. The hazard
of erosion is moderate in bare, unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Appling, Cecil, and Helena soils. The Appling and Cecil
soils are more permeable and less plastic than Vance
soil. They are on small knolls and ridgetops. The
Helena soils, in small depressions, along intermittent
drainageways, and on toe slopes, are moderately well
drained. In places are some small intermingled areas of
Vance soils that are moderately eroded and have a
sandy clay loam surface layer. Special map symbols
indicate small areas of gravelly or severely eroded soils,
wet spots, and large gullies. The included soils make up
10 to 20 percent of this map unit.
This Vance soil is used mainly as cropland or
pasture. The rest is used mainly as woodland. A few
small areas are in urban uses.
Where this soil is cultivated, the main crops are corn,
soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope,
surface runoff, and susceptibility to erosion are the main
limitations. Conservation practices that reduce erosion
and add organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and
ladino clover are the main forage plants in areas used
for hay or pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, southern red oak,
northern red oak, white oak, hickory, yellow poplar, and
sweetgum. Common understory plants are flowering
dogwood, scurwood, sumac, American holly, eastern
redcedar, common greenbrier, and sassafras. There are
no major limitations for woodland use and management.
The shrink -swell potential is the main limitation for
dwellings or small commercial buildings. Steepness of
slope is an additional limitation for small commercial
buildings. Foundations should be designed to resist
cracking because the subsoil shrinks and swells during
changes in moisture. The hazard of erosion is moderate
where vegetation is removed at construction sites, and
erosion control practices are needed. Slow permeability
is the main limitation for septic tank absorption fields.
Low strength is the main limitation for local roads and
streets. Slow permeability is the main limitation for most
recreational development.
This Vance soil is in capability subclass Ille. The
woodland ordination symbol is 7A for loblolly pine.

Gaston County, North Carolina
33
VaD—Vance sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes.
This soil is well drained. It is on side slopes and narrow
ridges throughout the county. Some of the larger areas
are southeast of Gastonia and east of Cherryville. The
areas are oblong, are irregular in width, and range from
5 to 30 acres.
Typically, this soil has a brown sandy loam surface
layer that is about 5 inches thick. The subsoil extends
to a depth of about 37 inches. It is yellowish brown clay
in the upper part, strong brown clay in the middle part,
and reddish yellow clay loam in the lower part. The
underlying material to a depth of 60 inches is
multicolored saprolite that has a loam texture.
Permeability is slow, and the shrink -swell potential is
moderate. The water table is not within a depth of 6
feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 6 feet. This soil is
strongly acid or medium acid in the surface layer unless
lime has been added. It is strongly acid or very strongly
acid in the subsoil and underlying material. The hazard
of erosion is severe in bare, unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Cecil, Pacolet, and Wedowee soils. The Cecil and
Pacolet soils are red and more permeable than the
Vance soil. They are on the ridgetops and the upper
part of the slopes. The Wedowee soils are more
permeable and occur at random within the map unit. In
places are some small intermingled areas of Vance
soils that are moderately eroded and have a sandy clay
loam surface layer. Special map symbols indicate small
areas of gravelly or severely eroded soils and large
gullies. The inclusions make up 10 to 20 percent of this
map unit.
This Vance soil is used mainly as woodland. The rest
is used mainly as cropland or pasture. A few small
areas are in urban uses.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, southern red oak,
northern red oak, white oak, hickory, yellow poplar, and
sweetgum. Common understory plants are flowering
dogwood, sourwood, American holly, eastern redcedar,
common greenbrier, and sassafras. There are no major
limitations for woodland use and management.
Where this soil is cultivated, the major crops are
corn, soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope,
surface runoff, and susceptibility to erosion are the main
limitations. Conservation practices that reduce erosion
and add organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and
ladino clover are the main forage plants where this soil
is used for hay and pasture.
Slow permeability and moderate shrink -swell
potential are the main limitations for dwellings.
Steepness of slope is a limitation for small commercial
buildings. Foundations should be designed to resist
cracking because the subsoil shrinks and swells during
changes in moisture. The hazard of erosion is severe
where vegetation is removed at construction sites, and
erosion control practices are needed. Slow permeability
is the main limitation for septic tank absorption fields.
Low strength is the main limitation for local roads and
streets. Slope is the main limitation for recreational
development.
This Vance soil is in capability subclass IVe. The
woodland ordination symbol is 7A for loblolly pine.
WeD—Wedowee sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent
slopes. This soil is well drained. It is on side slopes and
narrow ridges throughout the county. Some of the larger
areas are southeast of Gastonia and east of Cherryville.
The areas are oblong, are irregular in width, and range
from 4 to 40 acres.
Typically, this soil has a grayish brown sandy loam
surface layer that is about 2 inches thick. The
subsurface layer to a depth of about 7 inches is
brownish yellow sandy loam. The subsoil extends to a
depth of about 31 inches. It is brownish yellow sandy
clay loam in the upper part, strong brown sandy clay in
the middle part, and strong brown sandy clay loam in
the lower part. The underlying material to a depth of 62
inches is multicolored saprolite that has a sandy clay
loam texture.
Permeability and the shrink -swell potential are
moderate. The water table is not within a depth of 6
feet. Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. This soil is
strongly acid or very strongly acid unless lime has been
added. The hazard of erosion is severe in bare,
unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Cecil, Helena, Pacolet, and Vance soils. The Pacolet
and Cecil soils are red and are on ridgetops. The
Helena soils, along intermittent drainageways, are
slowly permeable and moderately well drained. The
Vance soils, on toe slopes, are slowly permeable. Some
intermingled areas of soils east of Cherryville have a
high content of mica. In places are some areas of
Wedowee soils that are moderately eroded and have a
sandy clay loam surface layer. Special map symbols
indicate small areas of very gravelly, stony, or severely
eroded soils and large gullies. The included soils make
up 10 to 20 percent of this map unit.
This Wedowee soil is used mainly as woodland. The
rest is used as cropland or pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, northern
red oak, post oak, southern red oak, white oak, yellow

34
Soil Survey
poplar, sweetgum, and hickory. Common understory
plants are flowering dogwood, sourwood, American
holly, eastern redcedar, red maple, running cedar, and
poison ivy. There are no major limitations for woodland
use and management.
Where this soil is cultivated, the main crops are corn,
soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope,
surface runoff, and susceptibility to erosion are the main
limitations. Conservation practices that reduce erosion
and add organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and
ladino clover are the main forage plants where this soil
is used for hay or pasture.
Steepness of slope is the main limitation for
dwellings and small commercial buildings. Shrink -swell
potential is an additional limitation for dwellings with
basements. Moderate permeability and steepness of
slope are the main limitations for septic tank absorption
fields. The hazard of erosion is severe where vegetation
is removed at construction sites, and erosion control
practices are needed. Steepness of slope, shrink -swell
potential and low strength are limitations for local
streets and roads. Slope is the main limitation for most
recreational development.
This Wedowee soil is in capability subclass IVe. The
woodland ordination symbol is 8A for loblolly pine.
WkD—Wilkes loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes. This
soil is well drained. It is on broad to narrow ridges and
side slopes throughout the county. Some of the larger
areas are northwest of Mount Holly. The areas are
oblong, are irregular in width, and range from 5 to 40
acres.
Typically, this soil has a dark yellowish brown loam
surface layer that is about 6 inches thick. The subsoil
extends to a depth of about 15 inches. It is strong
brown clay in the upper part and strong brown sandy
clay loam in the lower part. The underlying material to a
depth of 60 inches is multicolored weathered diorite
bedrock that can be dug with difficulty with a spade.
Manganese concretions and black streaks range from
few to common.
Permeability is moderately slow, and the shrink -swell
potential is moderate. The water table is not within a
depth of 6 feet. Depth to weathered bedrock is 10 to 20
inches. Depth to hard bedrock is more than 40 inches.
This soil is strongly acid to slightly acid in the upper
part of the profile and slightly acid to mildly alkaline in
the lower part. The hazard of erosion is severe in bare,
unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Gaston and Winnsboro soils. The Gaston soils, on
ridgetops and the upper parts of the slopes, are red and
more permeable and deeper to bedrock than Wilkes
soil. The Winnsboro soils are deeper than the Wilkes
soil and occur at random within the map unit. In places
are some small areas of Wilkes soils that are
moderately eroded and have a clay loam surface layer.
Special map symbols indicate small areas of gravelly,
stony, or severely eroded soils, rock outcrops, and large
gullies. The inclusions make up 10 to 25 percent of this
map unit.
This Wilkes soil is used mainly as woodland. The rest
is used as cropland or pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, Virginia pine, shortleaf pine, white oak,
post oak, hickory, yellow poplar, and southern red oak.
Common understory plants are flowering dogwood,
eastern redcedar, American holly, sourwood, and
common greenbrier. There are no major limitations for
woodland use and management.
Where this soil is cultivated, the main crops are corn,
soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope,
surface runoff, restricted rooting depth, and the hazard
of erosion are the main limitations. Conservation
practices that reduce erosion and add organic matter
are needed. Tall fescue and ladino clover are the main
forage plants where this soil is used for hay or pasture.
The moderate shrink -swell potential, shallow depth to
weathered bedrock, and steepness of slope are the
major limitations for dwellings without basements and
local roads and streets. Depth to bedrock is the main
limitation for dwellings with basements, septic tank
absorption fields, and recreational development.
Steepness of slope is the main limitation for small
commercial buildings. The hazard of erosion is severe
where vegetation is removed at construction sites, and
erosion control practices are needed.
This Wilkes soil is in capability subclass Vle. The
woodland ordination symbol is 7D for loblolly pine.
WkF—Wilkes loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes. This
soil is well drained. It is on side slopes and narrow
ridgetops throughout the county. Some of the larger
areas are northwest of Mount Holly. Areas are oblong,
are irregular in width, and are 5 to 40 acres in size.
Typically, this soil has a dark yellowish brown loam
surface layer that is about 6 inches thick. The subsoil
extends to a depth of about 15 inches. It is strong
brown clay in the upper part and strong brown sandy
clay loam in the lower part. The underlying material to a
depth of 60 inches is multicolored, weathered diorite
that can be dug with difficulty with a spade. Manganese
concretions and black streaks range from few to
common.

Gaston County, North Carolina
35
Permeability is moderately slow, and the shrink -swell
potential is moderate. The water table is not within a
depth of 6 feet. Depth to weathered bedrock is 10 to 20
inches. Depth to hard bedrock is more than 40 inches.
This soil is strongly acid to slightly acid in the upper
part of the profile and medium acid to mildly alkaline in
the lower part.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Gaston soils that are red, more permeable, and deeper.
They generally are on the ridgetops and upper part of
the slopes. In places are small areas of Wilkes soils
that are moderately eroded and have a clay loam
surface layer. Special map symbols indicate small areas
of gravelly, stony, or severely eroded soils, rock
outcrops, and large gullies. The inclusions make up 10
to 15 percent of this map unit.
This Wilkes soil is used mainly as woodland. The rest
is used mainly as pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, Virginia pine, yellow
poplar, southern red oak, post oak, white oak, and
hickory. Common understory plants are flowering
dogwood, American holly, eastern redcedar, sourwood,
and mountain laurel. The moderately steep to steep
slopes, restricted rooting depth, and the hazard of
erosion are the main limitations for woodland use and
management.
This soil generally is not used as cropland. The steep
slopes, surface runoff, restricted rooting depth, and
susceptibility to erosion are the main limitations.
Conservation practices that reduce erosion and add
organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and ladino
clover are the main forage plants where this soil is used
for pasture.
Steepness of slope and depth to bedrock are the
major limitations for building site development, sanitary
facilities, and most recreational development. The
hazard of erosion is very severe where vegetation is
removed at construction sites, and erosion control
practices are needed.
This Wilkes soil is in capability subclass Vlle. The
woodland ordination symbol is 7R for loblolly pine.
WnB—Winnsboro loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes. This
soil is well drained. It is on broad ridges throughout the
county. Some of the larger areas are northwest of
Mount Holly. The areas are irregular in shape and
range from 4 to 60 acres.
Typically, this soil has a dark grayish brown loam
surface layer that is about 5 inches thick. The
subsurface layer to a depth of about 8 inches is
yellowish brown loam. The subsoil extends to a depth of
about 36 inches. The upper part is strong brown clay,
and the lower part is brown and strong brown clay
loam. The underlying material to a depth of 60 inches is
multicolored saprolite that has a loam texture.
Manganese concretions and black streaks range from
few to common.
Permeability is slow, and the shrink -swell potential is
high. The water table is not within a depth of 6 feet.
Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. This soil ranges
from strongly acid to slightly acid in the surface and
subsurface layers and from slightly acid to mildly
alkaline in the subsoil and underlying material. The
hazard of erosion is very severe in bare, unprotected
areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Gaston and Wilkes soils. The Gaston soils are red and
more permeable than Winnsboro soil. They are on small
knolls and ridgetops. The Wilkes soils have weathered
bedrock within 20 inches of the surface and are on
narrow side slopes and at the end of ridges. In places
are some small intermingled areas of Winnsboro soils
that are moderately eroded and have a clay loam
surface layer. Special map symbols indicate small areas
of gravelly or severely eroded soils, wet spots, and
large gullies. The included soils make up 10 to 20
percent of this map unit.
This Winnsboro soil is used mainly as woodland. The
rest is used mainly as cropland or pasture. A few small
areas are in urban uses.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, Virginia pine, shortleaf pine, red
maple, southern red oak, white oak, post oak, northern
red oak, sweetgum, and yellow poplar. Common
understory plants are flowering dogwood, eastern
redcedar, American holly, sourwood, running cedar, and
poison ivy. There are no major limitations for woodland
use and management.
Where this soil is cultivated, the major crops are
corn, soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope,
surface runoff, and susceptibility to erosion are the main
limitations. Conservation practices that reduce erosion
and add organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and
ladino clover are the main forage plants where this soil
is used for hay or pasture.
The shrink -swell potential is the main limitation for
dwellings or small commercial buildings. Foundations
should be designed to resist cracking because the
subsoil shrinks and swells during changes in moisture.
The hazard of erosion is severe where vegetation is
removed at construction sites, and erosion control
practices are needed. Slow permeability is the main
limitation for septic tank absorption fields. Shrink -swell

36
Soil Survey
potential and low strength are limitations for local roads
and streets. Slow permeability is the main limitation for
most recreational development.
This Winnsboro soil is in capability subclass Ile. The
woodland ordination symbol is 7A for loblolly pine.
WnD—Winnsboro loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes.
This soil is well drained. It is on side slopes and narrow
ridges throughout the county. Some of the larger areas
are northwest of Mount Holly. The areas are oblong, are
irregular in width, and range from 5 to 50 acres.
Typically, this soil has a dark grayish brown loam
surface layer that is about 5 inches thick. The
subsurface layer is yellowish brown loam to a depth of
about 8 inches. The subsoil extends to a depth of about
36 inches. The upper part is strong brown clay, and the
lower part is brown and strong brown clay loam. The
underlying material to a depth of 60 inches is
multicolored saprolite that has a loam texture.
Manganese concretions and black streaks range from
few to common.
Permeability is slow, and the shrink -swell potential is
high. The water table is not within a depth of 6 feet.
Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. This soil ranges
from strongly acid to slightly acid in the surface and
subsurface layers and from slightly acid to mildly
alkaline in the subsoil and underlying material. The
hazard of erosion is severe in bare, unprotected areas.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Gaston and Wilkes soils. The Gaston soils are red and
more permeable than the Winnsboro soil. They are on
ridgetops and the upper part of the slopes. The Wilkes
soils have weathered bedrock within 20 inches of the
surface and are on the more narrow and steep side
slopes. In places are some small areas of Winnsboro
soils that have a gravelly surface layer and moderately
eroded areas that have a clay loam surface layer.
Special map symbols indicate small areas of gravelly or
severely eroded soils, rock outcrops, and large gullies.
The inclusions make up 15 to 25 percent of this map
unit.
This Winnsboro soil is used mainly as woodland. The
rest is used mainly as cropland or pasture. A few small
areas are in urban uses.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are loblolly pine, Virginia pine, shortleaf pine, red
maple, white oak, northern red oak, southern red oak,
post oak, sweetgum, and yellow poplar. Common
understory plants are flowering dogwood, eastern
redcedar, American holly, and sourwood. There are no
major limitations for woodland use and management.
Where this soil is cultivated, the main crops are corn,
soybeans, and small grains. Steepness of slope,
surface runoff, and susceptibility to erosion are the main
limitations. Conservation practices that reduce erosion
and add organic matter are needed. Tall fescue and
ladino clover are the main forage plants where this soil
is used for hay or pasture.
Shrink -swell potential is the main limitation for
dwellings without basements. Steepness of slope is the
main limitation for dwellings with basements. Steepness
of slope and shrink -swell potential are limitations for
small commercial buildings. Foundations should be
designed to resist cracking because the subsoil shrinks
and swells during changes in moisture. The hazard of
erosion is severe where vegetation is removed at
construction sites, and erosion control practices are
needed. Slow permeability is the main limitation for
septic tank absorption fields. Shrink -swell potential and
low strength are the main limitations for local roads and
streets. The slope is the main limitation for most
recreational development.
This Winnsboro soil is in capability subclass IVe. The
woodland ordination symbol is 7A for loblolly pine.
WoA—Worsham loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes. This
soil is poorly drained. It is on uplands around
intermittent drainageways throughout the county. The
areas are oblong and range from 4 to 20 acres.
Typically, this soil has a dark grayish brown loam
surface layer that is about 6 inches thick. The subsoil
extends to a depth of about 60 inches. It is gray clay
loam in the upper part, gray clay in the middle part, and
light gray clay loam in the lower part.
Permeability is very slow, and the shrink -swell
potential is moderate. The seasonal high water table is
within a depth of 1 foot mostly during winter and spring.
Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. This soil is
strongly acid or very strongly acid unless lime has been
added.
Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of
Helena soils on small knolls. The Helena soils are
moderately well drained. In places are some small
intermingled areas of Worsham soils that have gravel
on the surface and some intermingled areas of soils
that have a loamy subsoil. The included soils make up
10 to 20 percent of this map unit.
This soil is used mainly as woodland. The rest is
used mainly as pasture.
Where this soil is used as woodland, common trees
are sweetgum, loblolly pine, Virginia pine, willow oak,
red maple, and yellow poplar. Common understory
plants are red mulberry, sourwood, common greenbrier,

Gaston County, North Carolina
37
sedge, arrowhead, alder, and poison ivy. Wetness is the
main limitation for woodland use and management.
When the soil is wet, logging causes compaction, deep
ruts, poor surface drainage, and lower productivity.
Where this soil is cultivated, the main crops are corn,
soybeans, and small grains. Wetness is the main
limitation. Drainage systems are mainly open ditches. If
the soil is wet when tilled, soil structure is destroyed
and the soil compacts, resulting in ponding and a poor
seedbed. Tall fescue and ladino clover are the main
forage plants where this soil is used for hay or pasture.
Wetness is the major limitation for building site
development. Very slow permeability and wetness are
the main limitations for septic tank absorption fields and
for recreational development. Low strength is a
limitation for local roads and streets.
This Worsham soil is in capability subclass Vw. The
woodland ordination symbol is 6W for yellow poplar.

39
Prime Farmland
In this section, prime farmland is defined and
discussed, and the prime farmland soils in Gaston
County are listed.
Prime farmland is one of several kinds of important
farmland defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
It is of major importance in meeting the nation's short -
and long-range needs for food and fiber. The acreage
of high -quality farmland is limited, and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture recognizes that government
at local, state, and federal levels, as well as individuals,
must encourage and facilitate the wise use of our
nation's prime farmland.
Prime farmland soils, as defined by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, are soils that are best suited
to producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops
Such soils have properties that are favorable for the
economic production of sustained high yields of crops.
The soils need only to be treated and managed using
acceptable farming methods. The moisture supply, of
course, must be adequate, and the growing season has
to be sufficiently long. Prime farmland soils produce the
highest yields with minimal inputs of energy and
economic resources. Farming these soils results in the
least damage to the environment.
Prime farmland soils may presently be in use as
cropland, pasture, or woodland, or they may be in other
uses. They are used for producing food or fiber or are
available for these uses. Urban or built-up land, public
land, and water areas cannot be considered prime
farmland. Urban or built-up land is any contiguous unit
of land 10 acres or more in size that is used for such
purposes as housing, industrial, and commercial sites,
sites for institutions or public buildings, small parks, golf
courses, cemeteries, railroad yards, airports, sanitary
landfills, sewage treatment plants, and water control
structures. Public land is land not available for farming
in national forests, national parks, military reservations,
and state parks.
Prime farmland soils usually get an adequate and
dependable supply of moisture from precipitation or
irrigation. The temperature and growing season are
favorable. The acidity or alkalinity level of the soils is
acceptable. The soils have few or no rocks and are
permeable to water and air. They are not excessively
erodible or saturated with water for long periods and
are not subject to frequent flooding during the growing
season. The slope ranges mainly from 0 to 8 percent.
About 94,101 acres, or slightly over 41 percent of the
county, is prime farmland. The northwestern and south-
central parts of the county are dominantly prime
farmland. Many smaller areas scattered throughout the
rest of the county are also prime farmland.
The following map units, or soils, make up prime
farmland in Gaston County. The location of each map
unit is shown on the detailed soil maps at the back of
this publication. The extent of each unit is given in table
4. The soil qualities that affect use and management
are described in the section "Detailed Soil Map Units."
This list does not constitute a recommendation for a
particular land use.
Soils that have limitations, such as a high water table
or flooding, may qualify as prime farmland if these
limitations are overcome by such measures as drainage
or flood control. In addition to prime farmland
determinations, the Agricultural Land Evaluation and
Site Assessment (LESA) System has been adopted by
Gaston County. This system determines the quality of
the land for agricultural uses and evaluates the
conditions that justify conversion of prime and important
farmland soils. The LESA System provides a basis for
rating land in more detail than the prime farmland
criteria. Additional information is available at the Gaston
Soil and Water Conservation District office. In the
following list, the measures needed to overcome the
limitations of a map unit, if any, are shown in
parentheses after the map unit name. Onsite evaluation
is necessary to determine if the limitations have been
overcome by the corrective measures.
AmB Alamance Variant gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent
slopes
ApB Appling sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes

40
CeB2 Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes,
eroded
Co Congaree loam, occasionally flooded (if
protected)
GaB2 Gaston sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes,
eroded
HeB Helena sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes
LgB Lignum silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes
MaB2 Madison sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes,
eroded
TaB Tatum gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes
VaB Vance sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes
WnB Winnsboro loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes

41
Use and Management of the Soils
This soil survey is an inventory and evaluation of the
soils in the survey area. It can be used to adjust land
uses to the limitations and potentials of natural
resources and the environment. Also, it can help avoid
soil -related failures in land uses.
In preparing a soil survey, soil scientists,
conservationists, engineers, and others collect
extensive field data about the nature and behavior
characteristics of the soils. They collect data on erosion,
droughtiness, flooding, and other factors that affect
various soil uses and management. Field experience
and collected data on soil properties and performance
are used as a basis for predicting soil behavior.
Information in this section can be used to plan the
use and management of soils for crops, pasture, and
woodland; as sites for buildings, sanitary facilities,
highways and other transportation systems, and parks
and other recreation facilities; and for wildlife habitat. It
can be used to identify the limitations of each soil for
specific land uses and to help prevent construction
failures caused by unfavorable soil properties.
Planners and others using soil survey information
can evaluate the effect of specific land uses on
productivity and on the environment. The survey can
help planners to maintain or create a land use pattern
that is in harmony with nature.
Contractors can use this survey to locate sources of
sand and gravel, roadfill, and topsoil. They can use it to
identify areas where bedrock, wetness, or very firm soil
layers can cause difficulty in excavation.
Health officials, highway officials, engineers, and
others may also find this survey useful. The survey can
help them plan the safe disposal of wastes and locate
sites for pavements, sidewalks, campgrounds,
playgrounds, lawns, and trees and shrubs.
Crops and Pasture
G.E. Still, Jr., district conservationist, and B.G. Brock, agronomist,
Soil Conservation Service, helped prepare this section.
General management needed for crops and pasture
is suggested in this section. The crops or pasture plants
best suited to the soils are identified; the system of land
capability classification used by the Soil Conservation
Service is explained; and the estimated yields of the
main crops and hay and pasture plants are listed for
each soil.
Planners of management systems for individual fields
or farms should consider the detailed information given
in the description of each soil under "Detailed Soil Map
Units" and in the tables. Specific information can be
obtained from the local office of the Soil Conservation
Service or the Cooperative Extension Service.
More than 48,000 acres in Gaston County was used
for crops and pasture, according to the 1983 North
Carolina Agricultural Statistics. Of this total, 18,466
acres was used as pastureland and hayland; 14,570
acres was used for row crops, mainly corn and
soybeans; 6,310 acres was used for close -growing
crops, mainly wheat and oats; and 4,400 acres was
used as harvested hayland. The rest was idle cropland
in conservation use or in other miscellaneous uses.
A small acreage throughout the county is used for
commercial production of melons, strawberries, sweet
corn, tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables and
small fruits. Deep soils, such as Appling, Cecil, and
Gaston soils, that have good drainage and that warm
up early in spring, are especially well suited to truck
crops. Table 5, prepared by North Carolina Extension
Service, shows crop adaptation to soil types.
The cropland and pastureland acreage is gradually
decreasing as farmland is converted to urban
development.
Cropland Management
Soil erosion is a major concern on three -fourths of
the cropland in the county. Erosion is a hazard on all
the upland soils that have slope of more than 2 percent.
Soil erosion is costly when expensive herbicides,
fertilizers, and lime are lost along with valuable topsoil
and organic matter, and eroded soil is damaging to the
environment when it is deposited into streams, lakes,
and reservoirs. Productivity and soil tilth are decreased

42
Soil Survey
when the surface layer is washed away. Tilling or
preparing a seedbed on eroded soils, such as Cecil,
Gaston, and Madison soils, is difficult because much of
the original friable surface layer has eroded away,
leaving the more clayey subsoil exposed at the surface.
Erosion affects soils that have clayey subsoils, such
as Cecil and Gaston soils, in several ways. As more
subsoil is incorporated into the surface layer, the
available water capacity declines. Because of the
increase in clay, more lime and fertilizer are needed
and soil porosity is reduced. Cecil and Gaston soils
tend to crust on the surface, which limits infiltration,
causes rapid surface runoff, and increases the hazard
of erosion.
In many sloping fields, tilling or preparing a good
seedbed is difficult on clayey spots because the original
friable surface layer has eroded away. Such spots are
common in areas of moderately eroded soils, such as
Cecil, Gaston, and Madison soils.
Erosion control practices provide protective surface
cover, reduce runoff, and increase infiltration. A
cropping system that keeps plant cover on the soil for
extended periods can hold soil erosion losses to
amounts that will not reduce the productive capacity of
the soils. Legume and grass forage crops in the
cropping system reduce erosion on sloping land,
provide nitrogen, and improve tilth for the next crop.
Contour tillage and terracing are practical in most
areas of gently sloping soils. Cropping systems that
provide substantial plant cover are required to control
erosion unless conservation tillage is used. Minimizing
tillage and leaving crop residue on the surface increase
infiltration and reduce the hazards of runoff and erosion
(fig. 10). These practices can be adapted to most soils
in the survey area, but they are more difficult to use
successfully on the eroded soils and on the soils that
have fairly high amounts of clay in the surface layer.
No -tillage farming is effective in reducing erosion on
sloping land and can be adapted to most soils in the
survey area; however, it is more difficult to practice
successfully on the soils that have a fairly high clay
content in the surface layer.
Terraces and diversions reduce the length of slope
and reduce runoff and erosion on slopes of 8 percent or
less. They intercept excess surface runoff and safely
divert water to suitable outlets, such as grassed
waterways or field borders. Grassed waterways,
generally planted in tall fescue, provide safe disposal
areas for field water runoff. Field borders help filter
sediment -laden runoff around the field boundaries.
These conservation practices are practical and highly
effective on soils that have uniform slope patterns, such
as Appling, Cecil, Gaston, Madison, and Tatum soils.
Contour tillage and striperopping are effective
conservation practices on many Gaston County soils.
Like terraces and diversions, they are most effective on
the more uniform slopes. They can, however, be
adapted to a wide range of slope patterns.
Pasture Management
The major pasture and hayland plants are tall fescue
and ladino clover. Other pasture and hayland plants,
however, are better suited to summer weather. Those
plants include such perennial grasses as hybrid
bermuda, common bermuda, and switchgrass, and such
legumes as alfalfa and sericea lespedeza. Livestock
producers need a combination of plants that are best
suited to the soils they plan to manage for pasture and
hayland. Using the suited species and good
management techniques, such as proper annual
fertilization, weed control, insect control, and rotation
grazing, will increase yields from pasture and hayland.
The deep, well drained soils, such as Cecil, Gaston,
and Tatum soils, are suited to all major grasses and
legumes grown in the county. Fescue, ladino clover,
and common bermuda can provide six to nine animal
unit months of grazing on these soils each year. Hybrid
bermuda and switchgrass can provide an average of 10
animal unit months of grazing. An animal unit month is
the amount of feed or forage required by one animal
unit for one month.
A well rounded pasture and hayland management
program will include summer -adapted grasses, such as
bermuda, and spring- and fall -adapted grasses, such as
tall fescue or a grass -legume mixture. Proper fencing
for rotation grazing and an intensive fertilizer
management program can produce pasture grazing
from March through November. Alfalfa, sericea
lespedeza, red clever, orchardgrass, and hybrid
bermuda can be used during the winter for hay. These
combinations can provide a successful pasture and
hayland program for livestock producers. Perennials
generally are preferred in forage programs because of
less soil loss and less production costs.
Drainage
Soil drainage is a management need on some of the
acreage used for crops and pasture in the county. Poor
soil drainage is a problem on about 10 percent of the
pastureland and cropland. Helena, Lignum, and
Worsham soils are affected by seasonal wetness.

Gaston County, North Carolina 43
Figure 10.—No-tillage farming of soybeans in wheat stubble reduces erosion on Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, eroded.
Tillage patterns can increase the problem by creating
low areas and by blocking surface drainage. Grassed
waterways along with surface shaping can be used to
maintain surface drainage. Artificial drainage with tile is
difficult because of clayey subsoils and the lack of
suitable outlets. Open ditches generally are used. The
Chewacla soils are somewhat poorly drained. They are
on flood plains and are subject to frequent flooding.
Crop production generally is not practical on Chewacla
soils because of periodic flooding and restricted
equipment use. Tile drainage and ditches are used to
remove the water and lower the water table where wet
spots, seeps, and springs occur.
The design of surface and subsurface drainage
systems varies with the kind of soil. A combination of
surface drainage and open ditches is needed in most
areas of poorly drained to moderately well drained soils
when they are used for intensive row cropping. Drains
must be more closely spaced in slowly permeable soils.
Information for the design and applicability of erosion
control and drainage practices for each soil type is
available from the local Soil Conservation Service office
and from the Gaston Soil and Water Conservation
District office.
Soil Fertility
Most of the soils in Gaston County generally are low
in natural fertility. They require additions of lime and
fertilizer for most crop production.
Liming requirements are a major concern because
the acidity level in the soil affects the activity of
beneficial bacteria and the availability of many of the
nutrient elements. Lime also neutralizes exchangeable

44
Soil Survey
aluminum, which counteracts the adverse effects of
high levels of aluminum on many crops. Liming adds
calcium (calcitic lime) or calcium and magnesium
(dolomitic lime) to the soil.
A soil test is used as a guide to indicate the amount
and kind of lime that should be used. In soils that have
a sandy surface texture, for example, magnesium and
available calcium levels can be low. The desired pH
levels can differ depending upon the soil properties and
the crop.
Nitrogen fertilization is required for most crops.
Generally, it is not required for peanuts, for clovers, in
some rotations of soybeans, or for alfalfa after it has
been established. A dependable soil test is not
available for predicting nitrogen requirements.
Phosphorus and potassium fertilizer needs can be
predicted by soil tests. Requirements for these nutrients
are needed because past applications of phosphorus
and potassium tend to build up in the soil.
Requirements for specific crops are determined by
sampling each field and obtaining the soil test
recommendations. The Soil Conservation Service and
the Agricultural Extension Service can help in
determining the kind and amount of fertilizer and lime to
apply.
Chemical Weed Control
Using herbicides for weed control leads to less tillage
and is an integral part of modern farming in Gaston
County. Soil properties, such as organic matter content
and texture of the surface layer, affect the rate of
herbicide application. Estimates for these properties
were determined for the soils in the county. Table 16
shows a general range of organic matter content. The
surface texture is shown in table 15 in the USDA
texture column.
In some cases, the organic matter content of a soil is
outside the range shown in table 16. The organic matter
content can be higher in soils that have received high
amounts of animal or manmade waste. Soils that have
recently been brought into cultivation may have a higher
organic matter content in the surface layer than similar
soils that have been in cultivation for a long period of
time. Conservation tillage increases levels of organic
matter content in the surface layer. Lower levels are
common in soils where the surface layer has been
partly or completely removed by erosion, land
smoothing, or other activities. Current soil tests are
needed to measure organic matter content before
determining required herbicide rates. The labels of
herbicides show specific application rates based on
organic matter content and texture of the surface layer.
Yields Per Acre
The average yields per acre that can be expected of
the principal crops under a high level of management
are shown in table 6. In any given year, yields may be
higher or lower than those indicated in the table
because of variations in rainfall and other climatic
factors.
The yields are based mainly on the experience and
records of farmers, conservationists, and extension
agents. Available yield data from nearby counties and
results of field trials and demonstrations are also
considered.
The management needed to obtain the indicated
yields of the various crops depends on the kind of soil
and the crop. Management can include drainage,
erosion control, and protection from flooding; the proper
planting and seeding rates; suitable high -yielding crop
varieties; appropriate and timely tillage; control of
weeds, plant diseases, and harmful insects; favorable
soil reaction and optimum levels of nitrogen,
phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements for each
crop; effective use of crop residue, barnyard manure,
and green manure crops; and harvesting that insures
the smallest possible loss.
The estimated yields reflect the productive capacity
of each soil for each of the principal crops. Yields are
likely to increase as new production technology is
developed. The productivity of a given soil compared
with that of other soils, however, is not likely to change.
Crops other than those shown in table 6 are grown in
the survey area, but estimated yields are not listed
because the acreage of such crops is small. The local
office of the Soil Conservation Service or of the
Agricultural Extension Service can provide information
about the management and productivity of the soils for
those crops.
Land Capability Classification
Land capability classification shows, in a general
way, the suitability of soils for use as cropland (22).
Crops that require special management are excluded.
The soils are grouped according to their limitations for
field crops, the risk of damage if they are used for
crops, and the way they respond to management. The
criteria used in grouping the soils do not include major,
and generally expensive, landforming that would
change slope, depth, or other characteristics of the
soils, nor do they include possible but unlikely major

Gaston County, North Carolina
45
reclamation projects. Capability classification is not a
substitute for interpretations designed to show suitability
and limitations of groups of soils for woodland and for
engineering purposes.
In the capability system, soils are generally grouped
at three levels: capability class, subclass, and unit. Only
class and subclass are used in this survey. These
levels are defined in the following paragraphs.
Capability classes, the broadest groups, are
designated by Roman numerals I through VIII. The
numerals indicate progressively greater limitations and
narrower choices for practical use. The classes are
defined as follows:
Class I soils have few limitations that restrict their
use.
Class II soils have moderate limitations that reduce
the choice of plants or that require moderate
conservation practices.
Class III soils have severe limitations that reduce the
choice of plants or that require special conservation
practices, or both.
Class IV soils have very severe limitations that
reduce the choice of plants or that require very careful
management, or both.
Class V soils are not likely to erode, but they have
other limitations, impractical to remove, that limit their
use.
Class VI soils have severe limitations that make them
generally unsuitable for cultivation.
Class VII soils have very severe limitations that make
them unsuitable for cultivation.
Class VIII soils and miscellaneous areas have
limitations that nearly preclude their use for commercial
crop production.
No class I or class VIII soils are recognized in
Gaston County.
Capability subclasses are soil groups within one
class. They are designated by adding a small letter, e,
w, or s, to the class numeral, for example, Ile. The letter
e shows that the main limitation is risk of erosion unless
a close -growing plant cover is maintained; w shows that
water in or on the soil interferes with plant growth or
cultivation (in some soils the wetness can be partly
corrected by artificial drainage) and s shows that the
soil is limited mainly because it is shallow, droughty, or
stony.
There are no subclasses in class I because the soils
of this class have few limitations. The soils in class V
are subject to little or no erosion, but they have other
limitations that restrict their use to pasture, rangeland,
woodland, wildlife habitat, or recreation. Class V
contains only the subclasses indicated by w or s.
The capability classification of each map unit is given
in the section "Detailed Soil Map Units" and in table 6.
Woodland Management and Productivity
Edwin J. Young, forester, Soil Conservation Service, helped
prepare this section.
Forest managers are faced with the challenge of
producing greater yields from smaller areas of forest
land. Meeting this challenge requires an intensity of
management and silvicultural practices little thought of a
few decades ago. Many of the silvicultural techniques
applied in forestry resemble those long practiced in
agriculture. The techniques include establishing,
weeding, and thinning a desirable young stand;
propagating more productive species and genetic
varieties; planning for short rotations and complete fiber
utilization; controlling insects, diseases, and weeds; and
increasing growth by fertilization and drainage. Even
though timber crops require decades to grow, the goal
of intensive management is similar to the goal of
intensive agriculture —to produce the greatest yield of
the most valuable crop as quickly as possible.
Commercial forests cover 108,254 acres or about 47
percent of the land area of Gaston County (27).
Commercial forest land is land that is producing or is
capable of producing crops of industrial wood and is not
withdrawn from timber utilization. Loblolly pine can be
an important timber species in the county because it
grows fast, is adapted to the soil and climate, brings the
highest average sale value per acre, and is easy to
establish and manage (fig. 11).
Four predominant forest type groups are identified in
the county (19, 27). They are:
Loblolly-shortleaf pine. This forest type covers 50,376
acres. Loblolly and shortleaf pines make up more than
50 percent of the stand. Common associates include
red oak, white oak, gum, hickory, and yellow poplar.
Oak -pine. In this forest type that covers 20,863 acres,
hardwoods make up more than 50 percent of the stand,
and pines make up 25 to 50 percent in association with
upland oaks, gum, hickory, and yellow poplar. If left
undisturbed, this forest type will develop into a forest of
predominantly oak and other upland hardwoods. The
understory in the loblolly-shortleaf and oak -pine forest
types generally consists of hardwood seedlings and
saplings because they are more tolerant of shade than
pine. Hardwoods compete with pines so vigorously for
light and moisture in a shaded understory that few pine
seedlings are able to survive. When mature stands of
pine are cut, the dense understory of young hardwoods
becomes dominant.

46 Soil Survey
Figure it. —This well managed stand of loblolly pine is on Gaston sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, eroded.
Oak -hickory. This forest type covers 46,503 acres.
Upland oaks and hickory make up more than 50
percent of the stand. Common associates include red
maple and yellow poplar.
Elm -ash -cottonwood. In this forest type that covers
4,564 acres, elm, ash, or cottonwood, singly or in
combination, make up most of the stockings. Common
associates include willow, sycamore, and maple.
One of the first steps for intensively managing forest
land is to determine the productive capacity of the soil
for several tree species. The most productive and
valued trees are then selected for each parcel of land.
Site and yield information enables a forest manager to
estimate future wood supplies. These estimates are the
basis of decisions concerning future expenses and
profits associated with intensive forest management,
land acquisition, or industrial investments.

Gaston County, North Carolina
47
The productive capacity of forest lands depends on
physiography, soil properties, climate, and the effects of
past management. Specific soil properties and site
characteristics, including soil depth, texture, structure,
and depth to water table, affect forest productivity
primarily by influencing available water capacity,
aeration, and root development. The interaction of these
soil properties and site characteristics determine site
productivity. Other site factors, such as steepness and
length of slope, affect water movement and availability.
The amount of rainfall and length of growing season
also influence site productivity.
This soil survey can be used by woodland managers
planning ways to increase the productivity of forest
land. Some soils respond better to fertilization than
others, and some are more susceptible to landslides
and erosion after roads are built and timber is
harvested. Some soils require special efforts to reforest.
In the section 'Detailed Soil Map Units," each map unit
in the survey area suitable for producing timber
presents information about productivity, limitations for
harvesting timber, and management concerns for
producing timber. The common forest understory plants
are also listed. In each map unit description, important
or common woodland plants are listed by common
names (15, 18). Local plants by their common and
scientific names are listed in table 7. Table 8
summarizes this forestry information and rates the soils
for a number of factors to be considered in
management. Slight, moderate, and severe are used to
indicate the degree of the major soil limitations to be
considered in forest management.
The first tree listed for each soil under the column
''Common trees" is the indicator species for that soil.
An indicator species is a tree that is common in the
area and that is generally the most productive on a
given soil.
Table 8 lists the ordination symbol for each soil. The
first part of the ordination symbol, a number, indicates
the potential productivity of a soil for the indicator
species in cubic meters per hectare. The larger the
number, the greater the potential productivity. Potential
productivity is based on the site index and the point
where mean annual increment is the greatest.
The second part of the ordination symbol, a letter,
indicates the major kind of soil limitation for use and
management. The letter R indicates a soil that has a
significant limitation because of steepness of slope. The
letter W indicates a soil in which excessive water, either
seasonal or year-round, causes a significant limitation.
The letter D indicates a soil that has a limitation
because of restricted rooting depth, such as a shallow
soil that is underlain by hard rock. The letter C indicates
a soil that has a limitation because of the kind or
amount of clay in the upper part of the soil. The letter A
indicates a soil that has no significant restrictions or
limitations for forest use and management. If a soil has
more than one limitation, the priority is as follows: R, W,
D, and C.
Ratings of the erosion hazard indicate the probability
that damage may occur if site preparation activities or
harvesting operations expose the soil. The risk is slight
if no particular preventive measures are needed under
ordinary conditions; moderate if erosion control
measures are needed for particular silvicultural
activities; and severe if special precautions are needed
to control erosion for most silvicultural activities. Ratings
of moderate or severe indicate the need for construction
of higher standard roads, additional maintenance of
roads, additional care in planning of harvesting and
reforestation operations, or use of specialized
equipment.
Ratings of equipment limitation indicate limits on the
use of forest management equipment, year-round or
seasonal, because of such soil characteristics as slope,
wetness, stoniness, or susceptibility of the surface layer
to compaction. As slope gradient and length increase, it
becomes more difficult to use wheeled equipment. On
the steeper slopes, tracked equipment must be used.
On the steepest slopes, even tracked equipment cannot
operate; more sophisticated systems are needed. The
rating is slight if equipment use is restricted by soil
wetness for less than 2 months and if special
equipment is not needed. The rating is moderate if
slopes are steep enough that wheeled equipment
cannot be operated safely across the slope, if soil
wetness restricts equipment use for 2 to 6 months per
year, if stoniness restricts ground -based equipment, or
if special equipment is needed to avoid or reduce soil
compaction. The rating is severe if slopes are steep
enough that tracked equipment cannot be operated
safely across the slope, if soil wetness restricts
equipment use for more than 6 months per year, if
stoniness restricts ground -based equipment, or if
special equipment is needed to avoid or reduce soil
compaction. Ratings of moderate or severe indicate a
need to choose the most suitable equipment and to
carefully plan the timing of harvesting and other
management operations.
Ratings of seedling mortality refer to the probability of
death of naturally occurring or properly planted
seedlings of good stock in periods of normal rainfall as
influenced by kinds of soil or topographic features.
Seedling mortality is caused primarily by too much water

48
Soil Survey
or too little water. The factors used in rating a soil for
seedling mortality are texture of the surface layer, depth
and duration of the water table, rock fragments in the
surface layer, rooting depth, and the aspect of the
slope. Mortality generally is greatest on soils that have
a sandy or clayey surface layer. The risk is slight if,
after site preparation, expected mortality is less than 25
percent; moderate if expected mortality is between 25
and 50 percent; and severe if expected mortality
exceeds 50 percent. Ratings of moderate or severe
indicate that it may be necessary to use containerized
or larger than usual planting stock or to make special
site preparations, such as bedding, furrowing, installing
surface drainage, or providing artificial shade for
seedlings. Reinforcement planting is often needed if the
risk is moderate or severe.
The potential productivity of common trees on a soil
is expressed as a site index.
The site index is determined by taking height
measurements and determining the age of selected
trees within stands of a given species. This index is the
average height, in feet, that the trees attain in a
specified number of years. This index applies to fully
stocked, even -aged, unmanaged stands. The procedure
and techniques for determining site index are given in
site index tables (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 16, 17, 23, 25).
The productivity class represents an expected volume
produced by the most important trees, expressed in
cubic meters per hectare per year. Cubic meters per
hectare can be converted to cubic feet per acre by
multiplying by 14.3. It can be converted to board feet by
multiplying by a factor of about 71. For example, a
productivity class of 8 means the soil can be expected
to produce 114 cubic feet per acre per year at the point
where mean annual increment culminates, or about 568
board feet per acre per year.
Trees to plant are those that are used for
reforestation or, if suitable conditions exist, natural
regeneration. They are suited to the soils and will
produce a commercial wood crop. Desired product,
topographic position (such as a low, wet area), and
personal preference are three factors of many that can
influence the choice of trees to use for reforestation.
Recreation
Carl M. Babor. Director, Gaston County Recreation and Parks
Department. helped prepare this section.
Gaston County offers a variety of recreation
activities. The Gaston County Recreation and Parks
Department has parks in each township. Within the park
system are ballfields, soccer fields, lighted tennis
courts, fishing lakes, lighted horse arenas and stables,
lighted jogging tracks, nature trails, community -size
picnic shelters, and undeveloped river front property.
Gaston and Belmont Abbey Colleges offer additional
recreational opportunity by making their facilities
available to the public. Crowders Mountain State Park is
in the western part of the county. Gaston County has
eight golf courses and five public swimming pools.
Boating and fishing are popular on the Catawba River
and Lake Wylie. The Gaston County Art and History
Museum and the Schiele Museum of Natural History
offer opportunities for cultural activities, both indoor and
outdoor.
Rapid population growth is increasing the demands
on existing recreational facilities. New public and private
recreational facilities are continually being developed. A
knowledge of soils and soil properties is needed in
planning and developing new facilities and in
maintaining existing facilities.
In table 9, the soils of the survey area are rated
according to the limitations that affect their suitability for
recreation. The ratings are based on restrictive soil
features, such as wetness, slope, and texture of the
surface layer. Susceptibility to flooding is considered.
Not considered in the ratings, but important in
evaluating a site, are the location and accessibility of
the area, the size and shape of the area and its scenic
quality, vegetation, access to water, potential water
impoundment sites, and access to public sewerlines.
The capacity of the soil to absorb septic tank effluent
and the ability of the soil to support vegetation are also
important. Soils subject to flooding are limited for
recreational use by the duration and intensity of flooding
and the season when flooding occurs. In planning
recreation facilities, onsite assessment of the height,
duration, intensity, and frequency of flooding is
essential.
In table 9, the degree of soil limitation is expressed
as slight, moderate, or severe. Slight means that soil
properties are generally favorable and that limitations
are minor and easily overcome. Moderate means that
limitations can be overcome or alleviated by planning,
design, or special maintenance. Severe means that soil
properties are unfavorable and that limitations can be
offset only by costly soil reclamation, special design,
intensive maintenance, limited use, or by a combination
of these measures.
The information in table 9 can be supplemented by
other information in this survey, for example,
interpretations for septic tank absorption fields in table
12 and interpretations for dwellings without basements
and for local roads and streets in table 11.

Gaston County, North Carolina
49
Camp areas require site preparation, such as shaping
and leveling the tent and parking areas, stabilizing
roads and intensively used areas, and installing sanitary
facilities and utility lines. Camp areas are subject to
heavy foot traffic and some vehicular traffic. The best
soils have gentle slopes and are not wet or subject to
flooding during the period of use. The surface has few
or no stones or boulders, absorbs rainfall readily but
remains firm, and is not dusty when dry. Strong slopes
and stones or boulders can greatly increase the cost of
constructing campsites.
Picnic areas are subject to heavy foot traffic. Most
vehicular traffic is confined to access roads and parking
areas. The best soils for picnic areas are firm when wet,
are not dusty when dry, are not subject to flooding
during the period of use, and do not have slopes,
stones, or boulders that increase the cost of shaping
sites or of building access roads and parking areas.
Playgrounds require soils that can withstand intensive
foot traffic. The best soils are almost level and are not
wet or subject to flooding during the season of use. The
surface is free of stones and boulders, is firm after
rains, and is not dusty when dry. If grading is needed,
the depth of the soil over bedrock or a hardpan should
be considered.
Paths and trails for hiking and horseback riding
should require little or no cutting and filling. The best
soils are not wet, are firm after rains, are not dusty
when dry, and are not subject to flooding more than
once a year during the period of use. They have
moderate slopes and few or no stones or boulders on
the surface.
Golf fairways are subject to heavy foot traffic and
some light vehicular traffic. Cutting or filling may be
required. The best soils for use as golf fairways are firm
when wet, are not dusty when dry, and are not subject
to prolonged flooding during the period of use. They
have moderate slopes and no stones or boulders on the
surface. The suitability of the soil for tees or greens is
not considered in rating the soils.
Wildlife Habitat
John P. Edwards. biologist. Soil Conservation Service, and Dave
Cohen, Schiele Nature Museum, helped prepare this section.
Gaston County has an abundance and a great
variety of wildlife. Because of existing land use patterns,
small -game development generally has greater potential
than big -game development. The interspersing of
cropland with pine woodlands, hardwood stands, and
old fields creates a great variety of habitat for resident
wildlife. Openland wildlife, such as mourning dove,
quail, rabbit, and many species of songbird, are
throughout the county. Woodland wildlife includes
squirrel, raccoon, and weasel. Although the amount of
wetland habitat is more limited, some species, such as
raccoon and woodcock, are abundant.
The population of the game and nongame species in
Gaston County is moderate to good and will continue to
be so as long as old fields and other habitat essentials
are maintained. Because Gaston County is virtually all
privately owned, the only means of improving wildlife
habitat is through the individual landowners. Information
and assistance relating to problems and potentials of
wildlife and wildlife habitat are available from the Soil
Conservation Service and the North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission.
Gaston County soils offer a high potential for more
wildlife through good habitat management. The existing
populations are the result of the county's productive
soils and the variety of wildlife habitats available.
Soils affect the kind and amount of vegetation that is
available to wildlife as food and cover. They also affect
the construction of water impoundments. The kind and
abundance of wildlife depend largely on the amount and
distribution of food, cover, and water. Wildlife habitat
can be created or improved by planting appropriate
vegetation, by maintaining the existing plant cover, or
by promoting the natural establishment of desirable
plants.
In table 10, the soils in the survey area are rated
according to their potential for providing habitat for
various kinds of wildlife. This information can be used in
planning parks, wildlife refuges, nature study areas, and
other developments for wildlife; in selecting soils that
are suitable for establishing, improving, or maintaining
specific elements of wildlife habitat; and in determining
the intensity of management needed for each element
of the habitat.
The potential of the soil is rated good, fair, poor, or
very poor. A rating of good indicates that the element or
kind of habitat is easily established, improved, or
maintained. Few or no limitations affect management,
and satisfactory results can be expected. A rating of fair
indicates that the element or kind of habitat can be
established, improved, or maintained in most places.
Moderately intensive management is required for
satisfactory results. A rating of poor indicates that
limitations are severe for the designated element or
kind of habitat. Habitat can be created, improved, or
maintained in most places, but management is difficult
and must be intensive. A rating of very poor indicates
that restrictions for the element or kind of habitat are
very severe and that unsatisfactory results can be

50
Soil Survey
expected. Creating, improving, or maintaining habitat is
impractical or impossible.
The elements of wildlife habitat are described in the
following paragraphs.
Grain and seed crops are domestic grains and seed -
producing herbaceous plants. Soil properties and
features that affect the growth of grain and seed crops
are depth of the root zone, texture of the surface layer,
available water capacity, wetness, slope, surface
stoniness, and flood hazard. Soil temperature and soil
moisture are also considerations. Examples of grain
and seed crops are corn, wheat, oats, and barley.
Grasses and legumes are domestic perennial grasses
and herbaceous legumes. Soil properties and features
that affect the growth of grasses and legumes are depth
of the root zone, texture of the surface layer, available
water capacity, wetness, surface stoniness, flood
hazard, and slope. Soil temperature and soil moisture
are also considerations. Examples of grasses and
legumes are fescue, lovegrass, bromegrass, clover,
lespedeza, and alfalfa.
Wild herbaceous plants are native or naturally
established grasses and forbs, including weeds. Soil
properties and features that affect the growth of these
plants are depth of the root zone, texture of the surface
layer, available water capacity, wetness, surface
stoniness, and flood hazard. Soil temperature and soil
moisture are also considerations. Examples of wild
herbaceous plants are bluestem, goldenrod,
beggarweed, and pokeberry.
Hardwood trees and woody understory produce nuts
or other fruit, buds, catkins, twigs, bark, and foliage.
Soil properties and features that affect the growth of
hardwood trees and shrubs are depth of the root zone,
the available water capacity, and wetness. Examples of
these plants are oak, poplar, cherry, sweetgum, apple,
hawthorn, dogwood, hickory, blackberry, and blueberry.
Examples of fruit -producing shrubs that are suitable for
planting on soils rated good are autumn olive and
crabapple.
Coniferous plants furnish browse and seeds. Soil
properties and features that affect the growth of
coniferous trees, shrubs, and ground cover are depth of
the root zone, available water capacity, and wetness.
Examples of coniferous plants are loblolly pine and
redcedar.
Wetland plants are annual and perennial, wild
herbaceous plants that grow on moist or wet sites.
Submerged or floating aquatic plants are excluded. Soil
properties and features affecting wetland plants are
texture of the surface layer, wetness, reaction, slope,
and surface stoniness. Examples of wetland plants are
smartweed, cattail, rushes, sedges, and reeds.
Shallow water areas have an average depth of less
than 5 feet. Some are naturally wet areas. Others are
created by dams, levees, or other water -control
structures. Soil properties and features affecting shallow
water areas are depth to bedrock, wetness, surface
stoniness, slope, and permeability. Examples of shallow
water areas are marshes, waterfowl feeding areas, and
ponds.
The habitat for various kinds of wildlife is described
in the following paragraphs.
Habitat for openland wildlife consists of cropland,
pasture, meadows, and areas that are overgrown with
grasses, herbs, shrubs, and vines. These areas
produce grain and seed crops, grasses and legumes,
and wild herbaceous plants. The wildlife attracted to
these areas include bobwhite quail, meadowlark, field
sparrow, cottontail, and red fox.
Habitat for woodland wildlife consists of areas of
deciduous plants or coniferous plants or both and
associated grasses, legumes, and wild herbaceous
plants. Wildlife attracted to these areas include ruffed
grouse, woodcock, thrushes, woodpeckers, squirrels,
gray fox, raccoon, and deer.
Habitat for wetland wildlife consists of open, marshy,
or swampy shallow water areas. Some of the wildlife
attracted to such areas are ducks, geese, herons,
muskrat, mink, and beaver.
Engineering
This section provides information for planning land
uses related to urban development and to water
management. Soils are rated for various uses, and the
most limiting features are identified. The ratings are
given in the following tables: Building site development,
Sanitary facilities, Construction materials, and Water
management. The ratings are based on observed
performance of the soils and on the estimated data and
test data in the "Soil Properties" section.
This section is intended for land use planning, for
evaluating land use alternatives, and for planning site
investigations prior to design and construction. The
information, however, has limitations. For example,
estimates and other data generally apply only to that part
of the soil within a depth of 5 or 6 feet, and because of
the map scale, small areas of different soils may be
included within the mapped areas of a specific soil.
The information is not site specific and does not
eliminate the need for onsite investigation of the soils or

Gaston County, North Carolina
51
for testing and analysis by personnel experienced in the
design and construction of engineering works.
Government ordinances and regulations that restrict
certain land uses or impose specific design criteria were
not considered in preparing the information in this
section. Local ordinances and regulations must be
considered in planning, in site selection, and in design.
Soil properties, site features, and observed
performance were considered in determining the ratings
in this section. During the fieldwork for this soil survey,
determinations were made about grain -size distribution,
liquid limit, plasticity index, soil reaction, depth to
bedrock, hardness of bedrock within 5 to 6 feet of the
surface, soil wetness, depth to a seasonal high water
table, slope, likelihood of flooding, natural soil structure
aggregation, and soil density. Data were collected about
kinds of clay minerals, mineralogy of the sand and silt
fractions, and the kind of adsorbed cations. Estimates
were made for erodibility, permeability, corrosivity,
shrink -swell potential, available water capacity, and
other behavioral characteristics affecting engineering
uses.
This information can be used to evaluate the
potential of areas for residential, commercial, industrial,
and recreational uses; make preliminary estimates of
construction conditions; evaluate alternative routes for
roads, streets, highways, pipelines, and underground
cables; evaluate alternative sites for sanitary landfills,
septic tank absorption fields, and sewage lagoons; plan
detailed onsite investigations of soils and geology;
locate potential sources of gravel, sand, earthfill, and
topsoil; plan drainage systems, irrigation systems,
ponds, terraces, and other structures for soil and water
conservation; and predict performance of proposed
small structures and pavements by comparing the
performance of existing similar structures on the same
or similar soils.
The information in the tables, along with the soil
maps, the soil descriptions, and other data provided in
this survey can be used to make additional
interpretations.
Some of the terms used in this soil survey have a
special meaning in soil science and are defined in the
Glossary.
Building Site Development
Table 11 shows the degree and kind of soil
limitations that affect shallow excavations, dwellings
with and without basements, small commercial
buildings, local roads and streets, and lawns and
landscaping. The limitations are considered slight if soil
properties and site features are generally favorable for
the indicated use and limitations are minor and easily
overcome; moderate if soil properties or site features
are not favorable for the indicated use and special
planning, design, or maintenance is needed to
overcome or minimize the limitations; and severe if soil
properties or site features are so unfavorable or so
difficult to overcome that special design, significant
increases in construction costs, and possibly increased
maintenance are required. Special feasibility studies
may be required where the soil limitations are severe.
Shallow excavations are trenches or holes dug to a
maximum depth of 5 or 6 feet for basements, graves,
utility lines, open ditches, and other purposes. The
ratings are based on soil properties, site features, and
observed performance of the soils. The ease of digging,
filling, and compacting is affected by the depth to
bedrock, stone content, soil texture, and slope. The
time of the year that excavations can be made is
affected by the depth to a seasonal high water table
and the susceptibility of the soil to flooding. The
resistance of the excavation walls or banks to sloughing
or caving is affected by soil texture and the depth to the
water table.
Dwellings and small commercial buildings are
structures built on shallow foundations on undisturbed
soil. The load limit is the same as that for single-family
dwellings no higher than three stories. Ratings are
made for small commercial buildings without
basements, for dwellings with basements, and for
dwellings without basements. The ratings are based on
soil properties, site features, and observed performance
of the soils. A high water table, flooding, and shrink -
swell potential can cause the movement of footings.
Depth to a high water table, depth to bedrock, large
stones, and flooding affect the ease of excavation and
construction. Landscaping and grading that require cuts
and fills of more than 5 to 6 feet are not considered.
Local roads and streets have an all-weather surface
and carry automobile and light truck traffic all year.
They have a subgrade of cut or fill soil material, a base
of gravel, crushed rock, or stabilized soil material, and a
flexible or rigid surface. Cuts and fills are generally
limited to less than 6 feet. The ratings are based on soil
properties, site features, and observed performance of
the soils. Depth to bedrock, depth to a high water table,
flooding, large stones, and slope affect the ease of
excavating and grading. Soil strength (as inferred from
the engineering classification of the soil), shrink -swell
potential, and depth to a high water table affect the
traffic -supporting capacity.

52
Soil Survey
Lawns and landscaping require soils on which turf
and ornamental trees and shrubs can be established
and maintained. The ratings are based on soil
properties, site features, and observed performance of
the soils. Soil reaction, depth to a high water table,
depth to bedrock, and the available water capacity in
the upper 40 inches affect plant growth. Flooding,
wetness, slope, stoniness, and the amount of sand,
clay, or organic matter in the surface layer affect
trafficability after vegetation is established.
Soil tests are generally required to determine lime
and fertilizer needs. The local office of the Soil
Conservation Service or the Agricultural Extension
Service can provide information about soil tests or soil
amendments.
Sanitary Facilities
Table 12 shows the degree and the kind of soil
limitations that affect septic tank absorption fields,
sewage lagoons, and sanitary landfills. The limitations
are considered slight if soil properties and site features
are generally favorable for the indicated use and
limitations are minor and easily overcome; moderate if
soil properties or site features are not favorable for the
indicated use and special planning, design, or
maintenance is needed to overcome or minimize the
limitations; and severe if soil properties or site features
are so unfavorable or so difficult to overcome that
special design, significant increases in construction
costs, and possibly increased maintenance are
required.
Table 12 also shows the suitability of the soils for
use as daily cover for landfills. A rating of good
indicates that soil properties and site features are
favorable for the use and that good performance and
low maintenance can be expected; fair indicates that
soil properties and site features are moderately
favorable for the use and one or more soil properties or
site features make the soil less desirable than the soils
rated good; and poor indicates that one or more soil
properties or site features are unfavorable for the use
and overcoming the unfavorable properties requires
special design, extra maintenance, or costly alteration.
Septic tank absorption fields are areas in which
effluent from a septic tank is distributed into the soil
through subsurface tiles or perforated pipe. Only that
part of the soil between depths of 24 and 72 inches is
evaluated. The ratings are based on soil properties, site
features, and observed performance of the soils.
Permeability, depth to a high water table, depth to
bedrock, and flooding affect absorption of the effluent.
Large stones and bedrock interfere with installation.
Unsatisfactory performance of septic tank absorption
fields, including excessively slow absorption of effluent,
surfacing of effluent, and hillside seepage, can affect
public health. Ground water can be polluted if highly
permeable sand and gravel or fractured bedrock is less
than 4 feet below the base of the absorption field, if
slope is excessive, or if the water table is near the
surface. There must be unsaturated soil material
beneath the absorption field to filter the effluent
effectively. Many local ordinances require that this
material be of a certain thickness. The Gaston County
Health Department can provide detailed information and
guidance.
Sewage lagoons are shallow ponds constructed to
hold sewage while aerobic bacteria decompose the
solid and liquid wastes. Lagoons should have a nearly
level floor surrounded by cut slopes or embankments of
compacted soil. Aerobic lagoons generally are designed
to hold the sewage within a depth of 2 to 5 feet. Nearly
impervious soil material for the lagoon floor and sides is
required to minimize seepage and contamination of
ground water.
Table 12 gives ratings for the natural soil that makes
up the lagoon floor. The surface layer and, generally, 1
or 2 feet of soil material below the surface layer are
excavated to provide material for the embankments.
The ratings are based on soil properties, site features,
and observed performance of the soils. Considered in
the ratings are slope, permeability, depth to a high
water table, depth to bedrock, flooding, large stones,
and content of organic matter. The ratings may not
reflect the soil suitability for lagoons deeper than 5 feet
(anaerobic type).
Excessive seepage due to rapid permeability of the
soil or a water table that is high enough to raise the
level of sewage in the lagoon causes a lagoon to
function unsatisfactorily. Pollution results if seepage is
excessive or if floodwater overtops the lagoon. A high
content of organic matter is detrimental to proper
functioning of the lagoon because it inhibits aerobic
activity. Slope and bedrock can cause construction
problems, and large stones can hinder compaction of
the lagoon floor.
Sanitary landfills are areas where solid waste is
disposed of by burying it in soil. There are two types of
landfill —trench and area. In a trench landfill, the waste
is placed in a trench. It is spread, compacted, and
covered daily with a thin layer of soil excavated at the
site. In an area landfill, the waste is placed in
successive layers on the surface of the soil. The waste
is spread, compacted, and covered daily with a thin
layer of soil from a source away from the site.

Gaston County, North Carolina
53
Both types of landfill must be able to bear heavy
vehicular traffic. Both types involve a risk of ground
water pollution. Ease of excavation and revegetation
needs to be considered.
The ratings in table 12 are based on soil properties,
site features, and observed performance of the soils.
Permeability, depth to bedrock, depth to a water table,
slope, and flooding affect both types of landfill. Texture,
stones and boulders, and soil reaction affect trench type
landfills. Unless otherwise stated, the ratings apply only
to that part of the soil within a depth of about 6 feet. For
deeper trenches, a limitation rated slight or moderate
may not be valid. Onsite investigation is needed.
Daily cover for landfill is the soil material that is used
to cover compacted solid waste in an area type sanitary
landfill. The soil material is obtained offsite, transported
to the landfill, and spread over the waste.
Soil texture, wetness, coarse fragments, and slope
affect the ease of removing and spreading the material
during wet and dry periods. Loamy or silty soils that are
free of large stones or excess gravel are the best cover
for a landfill. Clayey soils are sticky or cloddy and are
difficult to spread; sandy soils are subject to soil
blowing.
After soil material has been removed, the soil
material remaining in the borrow area must be thick
enough over bedrock or the water table to permit
revegetation. The soil material used as final cover for a
landfill should be suitable for plants. The surface layer
generally has the best workability, more organic matter,
and the best potential for plants. Material from the
surface layer should be stockpiled for use as the final
cover.
Construction Materials
Table 13 gives information about the soils as a
source of roadfill, sand, gravel, and topsoil. The soils
are rated good, fair, or poor as a source of roadfill and
topsoil. They are rated as a probable or improbable
source of sand and gravel. The ratings are based on
soil properties and site features that affect the removal
of the soil and its use as construction material. Normal
compaction, minor processing, and other standard
construction practices are assumed. Each soil is
evaluated to a depth of 5 or 6 feet.
Roadfill is soil material that is excavated in one place
and used in road embankments in another place. In this
table, the soils are rated as a source of roadfill for low
embankments, generally less than 6 feet high and less
exacting in design than higher embankments.
The ratings are for the soil material below the surface
layer to a depth of 5 or 6 feet. It is assumed that soil
layers will be mixed during excavating and spreading.
Many soils have layers of contrasting suitability within
their profile. The table showing engineering index
properties provides detailed information about each soil
layer. This information can help determine the suitability
of each layer for use as roadfill. The performance of soil
after it is stabilized with lime or cement is not
considered in the ratings.
The ratings are based on soil properties, site
features, and observed performance of the soils. The
thickness of suitable material is a major consideration.
The ease of excavation is affected by large stones, a
high water table, and slope. How well the soil performs
in place after it has been compacted and drained is
determined by its strength (as inferred from the
engineering classification of the soil) and shrink -swell
potential.
Soils rated good contain significant amounts of sand
or gravel or both. They have at least 5 feet of suitable
material, low shrink -swell potential, few cobbles and
stones, and slopes of 15 percent or less. Depth to the
water table is more than 3 feet. Soils rated fair are more
than 35 percent silt- and clay -sized particles and have a
plasticity index of less than 10. They have moderate
shrink -swell potential, slopes of 15 to 25 percent, or
many stones. Depth to the water table is 1 to 3 feet.
Soils rated poor have a plasticity index of more than 10,
a high shrink -swell potential, many stones, or slopes of
more than 25 percent. They are wet, and the depth to
the water table is less than 1 foot. They may have
layers of suitable material, but the material is less than
3 feet thick.
Sand and gravel are natural aggregates suitable for
commercial use with a minimum of processing. Sand
and gravel are used in many kinds of construction.
Specifications for each use vary widely. In table 13,
only the probability of finding material in suitable
quantity is evaluated. The suitability of the material for
specific purposes is not evaluated, nor are factors that
affect excavation of the material.
The properties used to evaluate the soil as a source
of sand or gravel are gradation of grain sizes (as
indicated by the engineering classification of the soil),
the thickness of suitable material, and the content of
rock fragments. Kinds of rock, acidity, and stratification
are given in the soil series descriptions. Gradation of
grain sizes is given in the table on engineering index
properties.
A soil rated as a probable source has a layer of
clean sand or gravel or a layer of sand or gravel that is
up to 12 percent silty fines. This material must be at
least 3 feet thick and less than 50 percent, by weight,

54
Soil Survey
large stones. All other soils are rated as an improbable
source. Coarse fragments of soft bedrock, such as
highly weathered granite gneiss or schist, are not
considered to be sand and gravel.
Topsoil is used to cover an area so that vegetation
can be established and maintained. The upper 40
inches of a soil is evaluated for use as topsoil. Also
evaluated is the reclamation potential of the borrow
area.
Plant growth is affected by toxic material and by such
properties as soil reaction, available water capacity, and
fertility. The ease of excavating, loading, and spreading
is affected by rock fragments, slope, a water table, soil
texture, and thickness of suitable material. Reclamation
of the borrow area is affected by slope, a water table,
rock fragments, bedrock, and toxic material.
Soils rated good have friable, loamy material to a
depth of at least 40 inches. They are free of stones and
cobbles, have little or no gravel, and have slopes of
less than 8 percent. They are low in content of soluble
salts, are naturally fertile or respond well to fertilizer,
and are not so wet that excavation is difficult.
Soils rated fair are sandy soils, loamy soils that have
a relatively high content of clay, soils that have only 20
to 40 inches of suitable material, soils that have an
appreciable amount of gravel, stones, or soluble salts,
or soils that have slopes of 8 to 15 percent. The soils
are not so wet that excavation is difficult.
Soils rated poor are very sandy or clayey, have less
than 20 inches of suitable material, have a large
amount of gravel, stones, or soluble salts, have slopes
of more than 15 percent, or have a seasonal water
table at or near the surface.
The surface layer of most soils is generally preferred
for topsoil because of its organic matter content.
Organic matter greatly increases the absorption and
retention of moisture and releases a variety of plant -
available nutrients as it decomposes.
Water Management
Table 14 gives information on the soil properties and
site features that affect water management. The degree
and kind of soil limitations are given for pond reservoir
areas; embankments, dikes, and levees; and aquifer -fed
ponds. The limitations are considered slight if soil
properties and site features are generally favorable for
the indicated use and limitations are minor and are
easily overcome; moderate if soil properties or site
features are not favorable for the indicated use and
special planning, design, or maintenance is needed to
overcome or minimize the limitations; and severe if soil
properties or site features are so unfavorable or so
difficult to overcome that special design, significant
increase in construction costs, and possibly increased
maintenance are required.
This table also gives the restrictive features that
affect each soil for drainage, terraces and diversions,
and grassed waterways.
Pond reservoir areas hold water behind a dam or
embankment. Soils best suited to this use have low
seepage potential in the upper 60 inches. The seepage
potential is determined by the permeability of the soil
and the depth to fractured bedrock or other permeable
material. Excessive slope can affect the storage
capacity of the reservoir area.
Embankments, dikes, and levees are raised structures
of soil material, generally less than 20 feet high,
constructed to impound water or to protect land against
overflow. In this table, the soils are rated as a source of
material for embankment fill. The ratings apply to the
soil material below the surface layer to a depth of about
5 feet. It is assumed that soil layers will be uniformly
mixed and compacted during construction.
The ratings do not indicate the ability of the natural
soil to support an embankment. Soil properties to a
depth greater than the height of the embankment can
affect performance and safety of the embankment.
Generally, deeper onsite investigation is needed to
determine these properties.
Soil material in embankments must be resistant to
seepage, piping, and erosion and have favorable
compaction characteristics. Unfavorable features
include less than 5 feet of suitable material and a high
content of stones or boulders. A high water table affects
the amount of usable material. It also affects
trafficability.
Aquifer -fed excavated ponds are pits or dugouts that
extend to a ground -water aquifer or to a depth below a
permanent water table. Excluded are ponds that are fed
only by surface runoff and embankment ponds that
impound water 3 feet or more above the original
surface. Excavated ponds are affected by depth to a
permanent water table and permeability of the aquifer.
Depth to bedrock and the content of large stones affect
the ease of excavation.
Drainage is the removal of excess surface and
subsurface water from the soil. How easily and
effectively the soil is drained depends on the depth to
bedrock, to a cemented pan, or to other layers that
affect the rate of water movement; permeability; depth
to a high water table or depth of standing water if the
soil is subject to ponding; slope; and susceptibility to
flooding. Excavating and grading and the stability of
ditchbanks are affected by depth to bedrock, large

Gaston County, North Carolina
55
stones, slope, and the hazard of cutbanks caving. The
productivity of the soil after drainage is adversely
affected by extreme acidity. Availability of drainage
outlets is not considered in the ratings.
Terraces and diversions are embankments or a
combination of channels and ridges constructed across
a slope to reduce erosion and conserve moisture by
intercepting runoff. Slope, wetness, large stones, and
depth to bedrock affect the construction of terraces and
diversions. A restricted rooting depth, a severe hazard
of water erosion, an excessively coarse texture, and
restricted permeability adversely affect maintenance.
Grassed waterways are natural or constructed
channels, generally broad and shallow, that conduct
surface water to outlets at a nonerosive velocity. Large
stones, wetness, slope, and depth to bedrock affect the
construction of grassed waterways. Low available water
capacity, restricted rooting depth, and restricted
permeability adversely affect the growth and
maintenance of the grass after construction.

57
Soil Properties
Data relating to soil properties are collected during
the course of the soil survey. The data and the
estimates of soil and water features, listed in tables, are
explained on the following pages.
Soil properties are determined by field examination of
the soils and by laboratory index testing of some
benchmark soils. Established standard procedures are
followed (26). During the survey, many shallow borings
are made and examined to identify and classify the soils
and to delineate them on the soil maps. Samples are
taken from some typical profiles and tested in the
laboratory to determine grain -size distribution, plasticity,
and compaction characteristics. These results are
reported in table 18.
Estimates of soil properties are based on field
examinations, on laboratory tests of samples from the
survey area, and on laboratory tests of samples of
similar soils in nearby areas. Tests verify field
observations, verify properties that cannot be estimated
accurately by field observation, and help characterize
key soils.
The estimates of soil properties shown in the tables
include the range of grain -size distribution and Atterberg
limits, the engineering classifications, and the physical
and chemical properties of the major layers of each soil.
Pertinent soil and water features also are given.
Engineering Index Properties
Table 15 gives estimates of the engineering
classification and of the range of index properties for
the major layers of each soil in the survey area. Most
soils have layers of contrasting properties within the
upper 5 or 6 feet.
Depth to the upper and lower boundaries of each
layer is indicated. The range in depth and information
on other properties of each layer are given for each soil
series under ''Soil Series and Their Morphology."
Texture is given in the standard terms used by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture. These terms are
defined according to percentages of sand, silt, and clay
in the fraction of the soil that is less than 2 millimeters
in diameter. "Loam," for example, is soil that is 7 to 27
percent clay, 28 to 50 percent silt, and less than 52
percent sand. If the content of particles coarser than
sand is as much as 15 percent, an appropriate modifier
is added, for example, ''gravelly." Textural terms are
defined in the Glossary.
Classification of the soils is determined according to
the Unified soil classification system (2) and the system
adopted by the American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials (1).
The Unified system classifies soils according to
properties that affect their use as construction material.
Soils are classified according to grain -size distribution
of the fraction less than 3 inches in diameter and
according to plasticity index, liquid limit, and organic
matter content. Sandy and gravelly soils are identified
as GW, GP, GM, GC, SW, SP, SM, and SC; silty and
clayey soils as ML, CL, MH, and CH. Soils exhibiting
engineering properties of two groups can have a dual
classification, for example, SP-SM.
The AASHTO system classifies soils according to
those properties that affect roadway construction and
maintenance. In this system, the fraction of a mineral
soil that is less than 3 inches in diameter is classified in
one of seven groups from A-1 through A-7 on the basis
of grain -size distribution, liquid limit, and plasticity index.
Soils in group A-1 are coarse grained and low in
content of fines (silt and clay). At the other extreme,
soils in group A-7 are fine grained.
If laboratory data are available, the A-1, A-2, and A-7
groups are further classified as A-1-a, A-1-b, A-2-4,
A-2-5, A-2-6, A-2-7, A-7-5, or A-7-6. As an additional
refinement, the suitability of a soil as subgrade material
can be indicated by a group index number. Group index
numbers range from 0 for the best subgrade material to
20, or higher, for the poorest. The AASHTO
classification for soils tested, with group index numbers
in parentheses, is given in table 18.
Rock fragments larger than 3 inches in diameter are
indicated as a percentage of the total soil on a dry -
weight basis. The percentages are estimates

58
Soil Survey
determined mainly by converting volume percentage in
the field to weight percentage.
Percentage (of soil particles) passing designated
sieves is the percentage of the soil fraction less than 3
inches in diameter based on an ovendry weight. The
sieves, numbers 4, 10, 40, and 200 (USA Standard
Series), have openings of 4.76, 2.00, 0.420, and 0.074
millimeters, respectively. Estimates are based on
laboratory tests of soils sampled in the survey area and
in nearby areas and on estimates made in the field.
Liquid limit and plasticity index (Atterberg limits)
indicate the plasticity characteristics of a soil. The
estimates are based on test data from the survey area,
or from nearby areas, and on field examination.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Table 16 shows estimates of some characteristics
and features that affect soil behavior. These estimates
are given for the major layers of each soil in the survey
area. The estimates are based on field observations
and on test data for these and similar soils.
Clay as a soil separate, or component, consists of
mineral soil particles that are less than 0.002 millimeter
in diameter. In this table, the estimated clay content of
each major soil layer is given as a percentage, by
weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters
in diameter.
The amount and kind of clay greatly affect the fertility
and physical condition of the soil. They influence the
soil's adsorption of cations, moisture retention, shrink -
swell potential, permeability, plasticity, the ease of soil
dispersion, and other soil properties. The amount and
kind of clay in a soil also affect tillage and earthmoving
operations.
Moist bulk density is the weight of soil (ovendry) per
unit volume. Volume is measured when the soil is at
field moisture capacity, that is, the moisture content at
1/3 bar moisture tension. Weight is determined after
drying the soil at 105 degrees C. In this table, the
estimated moist bulk density of each major soil horizon
is expressed in grams per cubic centimeter of soil
material that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter. Bulk
density data are used to compute shrink -swell potential,
available water capacity, total pore space, and other
soil properties. The moist bulk density of a soil indicates
the pore space available for water and roots. A bulk
density of more than 1.6 can restrict water storage and
root penetration. Moist bulk density is influenced by
texture, kind of clay, content of organic matter, and soil
structure.
Permeability refers to the ability of a soil to transmit
water or air. The estimates indicate the rate of
movement of water through the soil when the soil is
saturated. They are based on soil characteristics
observed in the field, particularly structure, porosity, and
texture. Permeability is considered in the design of soil
drainage systems, septic tank absorption fields, and
construction where the rate of water movement under
saturated conditions affects behavior.
Available water capacity refers to the quantity of
water that the soil is capable of storing for use by
plants. The capacity for water storage in each major soil
layer is stated in inches of water per inch of soil. The
capacity varies, depending on soil properties that affect
the retention of water and the depth of the root zone.
The most important properties are the content of
organic matter, soil texture, bulk density, and soil
structure. Available water capacity is an important factor
in the choice of plants or crops to be grown and in the
design and management of irrigation systems. Available
water capacity is not an estimate of the quantity of
water actually available to plants at any given time.
Soil reaction is a measure of acidity or alkalinity and
is expressed as a range in pH values. The range in pH
of each major horizon is based on many field tests. For
many soils, values have been verified by laboratory
analyses. Soil reaction is important in selecting crops
and other plants, in evaluating soil amendments for
fertility and stabilization, and in determining the risk of
corrosion.
Shrink -swell potential is the potential for volume
change in a soil with a loss or gain in moisture. Volume
change occurs mainly because of the interaction of clay
minerals with water and varies with the amount and
type of clay minerals in the soil. The size of the load on
the soil and the magnitude of the change in soil
moisture content influence the amount of swelling of
soils in place. Laboratory measurements of swelling of
undisturbed clods were made for many soils. For
others, swelling was estimated on the basis of the kind
and amount of clay minerals in the soil and on
measurements of similar soils.
If the shrink -swell potential is rated moderate to very
high, shrinking and swelling can cause damage to
buildings, roads, and other structures. Special design is
often needed.
Shrink -swell potential classes are based on the
change in length of an unconfined clod as moisture
content is increased from air-dry to field capacity. The
change is based on the soil fraction less than 2
millimeters in diameter. The classes are low, a change
of less than 3 percent; moderate, 3 to 6 percent; and

Gaston County, North Carolina
59
high, more than 6 percent. Very high, greater than 9
percent, is sometimes used.
Erosion factor K indicates the susceptibility of a soil
to sheet and rill erosion by water. Factor K is one of six
factors used in the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE)
to predict the average annual rate of soil loss by sheet
and rill erosion. Losses are expressed in tons per acre
per year. These estimates are based primarily on
percentage of silt, sand, and organic matter (up to 4
percent) and on soil structure and permeability. Values
of K range from 0.02 to 0.69. The higher the value, the
more susceptible the soil is to sheet and rill erosion by
water.
Erosion factor T is an estimate of the maximum
average annual rate of soil erosion by wind or water
that can occur over a sustained period without affecting
crop productivity. The rate is expressed in tons per acre
per year.
Organic matter is the plant and animal residue in the
soil at various stages of decomposition.
In table 16, the estimated content of organic matter is
expressed as a percentage, by weight, of the soil
material that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter.
The content of organic matter of a soil can be
maintained or increased by returning crop residue to the
soil. Organic matter affects the available water capacity,
infiltration rate, and tilth. It is a source of nitrogen and
other nutrients for crops.
Soil and Water Features
Table 17 gives estimates of various soil and water
features. The estimates are used in land use planning
that involves engineering considerations.
Hydrologic soil groups are used to estimate runoff
from precipitation. Soils are assigned to one of four
groups. They are grouped according to the intake of
water when the soils are thoroughly wet and receive
precipitation from long -duration storms.
The four hydrologic soil groups are:
Group A. Soils having a high infiltration rate (low
runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These consist
mainly of deep, well drained to excessively drained
sands or gravelly sands. These soils have a high rate of
water transmission. No group A soils are recognized in
Gaston County.
Group B. Soils having a moderate infiltration rate
when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of
moderately deep or deep, moderately well drained or
well drained soils that have moderately fine texture to
moderately coarse texture. These soils have a
moderate rate of water transmission.
Group C. Soils having a slow infiltration rate when
thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of soils having a
layer that impedes the downward movement of water or
soils of moderately fine texture or fine texture. These
soils have a slow rate of water transmission.
Group D. Soils having a very slow infiltration rate
(high runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These
consist chiefly of clays that have high shrink -swell
potential, soils that have a permanent high water table,
soils that have a claypan or clay layer at or near the
surface, and soils that are shallow over nearly
impervious material. These soils have a very slow rate
of water transmission.
Flooding, the temporary covering of the soil surface
by flowing water, is caused by overflowing streams or
by runoff from adjacent slopes. Shallow water standing
or flowing for short periods after rainfall or snowmelt is
not considered flooding. Standing water in swamps and
marshes or in a closed depression is considered
ponding.
Table 17 gives the frequency and duration of flooding
and the time of year when flooding is most likely to
occur.
Frequency, duration, and probable dates of
occurrence are estimated. Frequency generally is
expressed as none, occasional, or frequent. None
means that flooding is not probable. Occasional means
that flooding occurs infrequently under normal weather
conditions (there is a 5 to 50 percent chance of flooding
in any year). Frequent means that flooding occurs often
under normal weather conditions (there is more than a
50 percent chance of flooding in any year). Common is
used when classification as occasional or frequent does
not affect interpretations. Duration is expressed as very
brief (less than 2 days), brief (2 to 7 days), long (7 days
to 1 month), and very long (more than 1 month). The
time of year that floods are most likely to occur is
expressed in months. November -May, for example,
means that flooding can occur during the period
November through May. About two-thirds to three -
fourths of all flooding occurs during the stated period.
The information on flooding is based on evidence in
the soil profile, namely, thin strata of gravel, sand, silt,
or clay deposited by floodwater; irregular decrease in
organic matter content with increasing depth; and
absence of distinctive horizons, which are characteristic
of soils that are not subject to flooding.
Also considered are local information about the
extent and levels of flooding and the relation of each
soil on the landscape to historic floods. Information on
the extent of flooding based on soil data is less specific
than that provided by detailed engineering surveys that

:61
delineate flood -prone areas at specific flood frequency
levels.
High water table (seasonal) is the highest level of a
saturated zone in the soil in most years. The depth to a
seasonal high water table applies to undrained soils.
The estimates are based mainly on the evidence of a
saturated zone, namely, grayish colors or mottles in the
soil. Indicated in table 17 are the depth to the seasonal
high water table; the kind of water table, that is, perched
or apparent; and the months of the year that the water
table commonly is highest. A water table that is
seasonally high for less than 1 month is not indicated in
table 17.
An apparent water table is a thick zone of free water
in the soil. It is indicated by the level at which water
stands in an uncased borehole after adequate time is
allowed for adjustment in the surrounding soil. A
perched water table is water standing above an
unsaturated zone. In places an upper, or perched, water
table is separated from a lower one by a dry zone.
The two numbers in the "High water table —Depth"
column indicate the normal range in depth to a
saturated zone. Depth is given to the nearest half foot.
The first numeral in the range indicates the highest
water level. A plus sign preceding the range in depth
indicates that the water table is above the surface of
the soil. "More than 6.0" indicates that the water table
is below a depth of 6 feet.
Depth to bedrock is given if bedrock is within a depth
of 5 feet. The depth is based on many soil borings and
on observations during soil mapping. The rock is
specified as either soft or hard. If the rock is soft or
fractured, excavations can be made with trenching
machines, backhoes, or small rippers. If the rock is hard
or massive, blasting or special equipment generally is
needed for excavation.
Risk of corrosion pertains to potential soil -induced
electrochemical or chemical action that dissolves or
weakens uncoated steel or concrete. The rate of
corrosion of uncoated steel is related to such factors as
soil moisture, particle -size distribution, acidity, and
electrical conductivity of the soil. The rate of corrosion
of concrete is based mainly on the sulfate and sodium
content, texture, moisture content, and acidity of the
soil. Special site examination and design may be
needed if the combination of factors creates a severely
corrosive environment. The steel in installations that
intersect soil boundaries or soil layers is more
susceptible to corrosion than steel in installations that
are entirely within one kind of soil or within one soil
layer.
For uncoated steel, the risk of corrosion, expressed
as low, moderate, or high, is based on soil drainage
class, total acidity, electrical resistivity near field
capacity, and electrical conductivity of the saturation
extract.
For concrete, the risk of corrosion is also expressed
as low, moderate, or high. It is based on soil texture,
acidity, and the amount of sulfates in the saturation
extract.
Engineering Index Test Data
Table 18 shows laboratory test data for several
pedons sampled at carefully selected sites in the survey
area. The pedons are typical of the series and are
described in the section "Soil Series and Their
Morphology." The soil samples were tested by The
North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division
of Highways, Materials and Tests Unit.
The testing methods generally are those of the
American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) or the American
Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) (1, 2).
The tests and methods are: AASHTO classification—
M 145 (AASHTO), D 3282 (ASTM); Mechanical
analysis—T 88 (AASHTO), D 2217 (ASTM); Liquid
limit—T 89 (AASHTO), D 423 (ASTM); Plasticity
index—T 90 (AASHTO), D 424 (ASTM); Moisture
density, Method A—T 99 (AASHTO), D 698 (ASTM).

61
Classification of the Soils
The system of soil classification used by the National
Cooperative Soil Survey has six categories (24).
Beginning with the broadest, these categories are the
order, suborder, great group, subgroup, family, and
series. Classification is based on soil properties
observed in the field or inferred from those observations
or on laboratory measurements. Table 19 shows the
classification of the soils in the survey area. The
categories are defined in the following paragraphs.
ORDER. Ten soil orders are recognized. The
differences among orders reflect the dominant soil -
forming processes and the degree of soil formation.
Each order is identified by a word ending in sol. An
example is Ultisol.
SUBORDER. Each order is divided into suborders,
primarily on the basis of properties that influence soil
genesis and are important to plant growth or properties
that reflect the most important variables within the
orders. The last syllable in the name of a suborder
indicates the order. An example is Udult (Ud, meaning
humid, plus ult, from Ultisol).
GREAT GROUP. Each suborder is divided into great
groups on the basis of close similarities in kind,
arrangement, and degree of development of pedogenic
horizons; soil moisture and temperature regimes; and
base status. Each great group is identified by the name
of a suborder and by a prefix that indicates a property
of the soil. An example is Kanhapludults (Kan, meaning
1:1 layer silicate clays, plus hapl, meaning minimal
horizonation, plus adult, the suborder of the Ultisols that
is in a humid climate).
SUBGROUP. Each great group has a typic subgroup.
Other subgroups are intergrades or extragrades. The
typic is the central concept of the great group; it is not
necessarily the most extensive. Intergrades are
transitions to other orders, suborders, or great groups.
Extragrades have some properties that are not
representative of the great group but do not indicate
transitions to any other known kind of soil, Each
subgroup is identified by one or more adjectives
preceding the name of the great group. The adjective
Typic identifies the subgroup that typifies the great
group. An example is Typic Kanhapludults.
FAMILY. Families are established within a subgroup
on the basis of physical and chemical properties and
other characteristics that affect management. Mostly the
properties are those of horizons below plow depth
where there is much biological activity. Among the
properties and characteristics considered are particle -
size class, mineral content, temperature regime, depth
of the root zone, consistence, moisture equivalent,
slope, and permanent cracks. A family name consists of
the name of a subgroup preceded by terms that indicate
soil properties. An example is clayey, kaolinitic, thermic
Typic Kanhapludults.
SERIES. The series consists of soils that have
similar horizons in their profile. The horizons are similar
in color, texture, structure, reaction, consistence,
mineral and chemical composition, and arrangement in
the profile. There can be some variation in the texture
of the surface layer or of the substratum within a series.
The Cecil series is an example and is classified in the
clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults family.
Soil Series and Their Morphology
In this section, each soil series recognized in the
survey area is described. The descriptions are arranged
in alphabetic order. The exact location of a
representative site for each series is shown on the
detailed soil maps with a special symbol.
Characteristics of the soil and the material in which it
formed are identified for each series. The soil is
compared with similar soils and with nearby soils of
other series. A pedon, a small three-dimensional area
of soil, that is typical of the series in the survey area is
described. The detailed description of each soil horizon
follows standards in the Soil Survey Manual (21). Many
of the technical terms used in the descriptions are
defined in Soil Taxonomy (24), Unless otherwise stated,
colors in the descriptions are for moist soil. Following
the pedon description is the range of important

62
Soil Survey
characteristics of the soils in the series.
The map units of each soil series are described in
the section "Detailed Soil Map Units."
Alamance Variant
Alamance Variant consists of well drained,
moderately permeable soils on uplands. They formed in
residuum weathered from sericite schist and phyllite.
Slope ranges from 2 to 15 percent. These soils are fine -
silty, siliceous, thermic Typic Hapludults.
Alamance Variant is commonly adjacent to Tatum
and Lignum soils. Tatum soils have a red clayey Bt
horizon. Lignum soils are moderately well drained to
somewhat poorly drained.
Typical pedon of Alamance Variant gravelly loam, 2
to 8 percent slopes; 2 miles southwest of Crowders
Mountain on State Road 1125, 0.6 mile on State Road
1214, 1,500 feet north of end of road:
Oi-2 to 1 inches; undecomposed deciduous forest litter
of leaves and twigs.
Oe-1 to 0 inches; black (10YR 2/1) partly decomposed
forest litter and root mat.
A-0 to 4 inches; dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2)
gravelly loam; weak fine granular structure; very
friable; many fine and medium roots; 20 percent, by
volume, quartz gravel; strongly acid; abrupt wavy
boundary.
E-4 to 8 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) gravelly
loam; moderate fine granular structure; very friable;
common fine and medium roots; 15 percent, by
volume, quartz gravel; strongly acid; clear wavy
boundary.
Bt1-8 to 20 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) silt loam;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure;
friable, slightly plastic and slightly sticky; common
fine and medium roots; common fine pores;
common faint clay films on faces of peds; about 1
percent, by volume, quartz gravel; very strongly
acid; clear wavy boundary.
Bt2-20 to 27 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) silt
loam; few fine yellow streaks; moderate medium
subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly plastic
and slightly sticky; few fine roots; common faint clay
films on faces of peds; about 5 percent, by volume,
sericite schist channers; strongly acid; gradual wavy
boundary.
BC-27 to 34 inches; brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) silt
loam; common coarse faint yellowish brown (10YR
5/4) mottles; weak fine subangular blocky structure;
friable; few fine roots; about 10 percent, by volume,
sericite schist channers; strongly acid; gradual wavy
boundary.
C-34 to 45 inches; mottled strong brown (7.5YR 4/6),
reddish yellow (7.5YR 7/6), yellow (10YR 7/6), and
very pale brown (10YR 7/3) saprolite that has a silt
loam texture; weak platy rock controlled structure;
friable; about 12 percent, by volume, sericite schist
channers; few roots in seams; strongly acid; clear
irregular boundary.
Cr-45 to 60 inches; multicolored, weathered sericite
schist bedrock; few seams of silt loam; can be dug
with difficulty with a spade.
Alamance Variant has loamy A and Bt horizons that
are underlain by a Cr horizon of weathered bedrock at a
depth of 40 to 60 inches. The solum is 25 to 50 inches
thick. The Alamance Variant soils are strongly acid or
very strongly acid unless lime has been added. Content
of coarse fragments ranges from 15 to 25 percent in the
A and E horizons and is as much as 10 percent in the B
horizons.
The Ap or A horizon has hue of 10YR or 2.5Y, value
of 4 to 6, and chroma of 2 to 4. The E horizon has hue
of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of 5 to 7, and chroma of 2 to 6.
Some pedons do not have an E horizon.
The Bt horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of 5
or 6, and chroma of 4 to 8. It is clay loam, silty clay
loam, or silt loam. The BC horizon has colors similar to
the Bt horizon. It is silt loam, loam, or very fine sandy
loam.
The C horizon is multicolored saprolite that is
variable in texture but typically is loamy. It contains few
to many fragments of weathered sericite schist or
phyllite.
The Cr horizon is multicolored, weathered sericite
schist or phyllite rock that can be dug with difficulty with
hand tools.
Appling Series
The Appling series consists of well drained,
moderately permeable soils on uplands. They formed in
residuum weathered from felsic igneous and
metamorphic rocks, such as granite and gneiss. Slope
ranges from 1 to 6 percent. These soils are clayey,
kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults.
Appling soils are commonly adjacent to Cecil, Vance,
Pacolet, Wedowee, and Helena soils. Cecil and Pacolet
soils have hue redder than 5YR in the Bt horizon.
Wedowee soils have a thinner subsoil. Pacolet and
Wedowee soils are on side slopes. Vance soils have a
very firm subsoil. Helena soils are moderately well

Gaston County, North Carolina
63
drained, have a very firm subsoil, and occur along
drainageways.
Typical pedon of Appling sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent
slopes; 6 miles southeast of Gastonia on North Carolina
Highway 274, 700 feet northeast of intersection with
State Road 2439:
Ap-0 to 10 inches; brown (10YR 5/3) sandy loam;
weak fine granular structure; very friable; common
fine and medium roots; strongly acid; clear smooth
boundary.
BA-10 to 15 inches; brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) sandy
clay loam; weak medium subangular blocky
structure; friable; few fine flakes of mica; common
fine roots; common fine and medium pores; very
strongly acid; clear wavy boundary.
Bt-15 to 41 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/8) sandy
clay; few medium distinct red (2.5YR 4/6) mottles;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; firm,
sticky and plastic; common distinct clay films on
faces of peds; few fine flakes of mica; few fine
roots; few fine pores; very strongly acid; gradual
wavy boundary.
BC-41 to 48 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/8) sandy
clay loam; common coarse distinct red (2.5YR 4/6)
and yellow (10YR 7/6) mottles and few medium
distinct strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) mottles; weak
medium subangular blocky structure; firm, slightly
sticky and slightly plastic; few fine flakes of mica;
few fine roots; few fine pores; very strongly acid;
gradual wavy boundary.
C-48 to 60 inches; mottled red (2.5YR 4/6), reddish
yellow (7.5YR 6/8), and light yellowish brown (10YR
6/4) saprolite that has a sandy clay loam texture;
massive; friable; common bodies of clay loam;
common fine flakes of mica; very strongly acid.
Appling soils have a loamy A horizon and a
predominantly clayey Bt horizon that extend to a depth
of 30 to 58 inches. The solum is 40 to 60 inches thick.
Depth to bedrock is more than 6 feet. Appling soils are
strongly acid or very strongly acid unless lime has been
added. Content of mica flakes ranges from few to
common in most pedons.
The A or Ap horizon has hue of 5YR to 2.5Y, value
of 4 or 5, and chroma of 2 to 4. Some pedons have an
E horizon. It has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of 5 or 6,
and chroma of 3 to 8.
The Bt horizon has hue of 5YR to 10YR, value of 5
or 6, and chroma of 6 to 8. It is clay, sandy clay, or clay
loam. Mottles in shades of red, yellow, or brown range
from few to many. The BC horizon is similar in color to
the Bt horizon. It is sandy clay loam, sandy clay, or clay
loam.
The C horizon is multicolored saprolite weathered
from felsic igneous and metamorphic rock. The texture
is variable but typically is loamy.
Cecil Series
The Cecil series consists of well drained, moderately
permeable soils on uplands. They formed in residuum
weathered from felsic igneous and metamorphic rock,
such as granite. Slope ranges from 2 to 15 percent.
These soils are clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Typic
Kanhapludults.
Cecil soils are commonly adjacent to Appling,
Gaston, Madison, and Pacolet soils. Appling soils are
more yellow, Gaston soils are darker red in the upper
part of the Bt horizon, and Madison soils have a high
content of mica. Pacolet soils are on side slopes and
have a thinner subsoil.
Typical pedon of Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 8
percent slopes, eroded; 3 miles northwest of Cherryville
on North Carolina Highway 274, 1.5 miles west on State
Road 1650, 50 feet northwest of intersection with State
Road 1647:
Ap-0 to 6 inches; yellowish red (5YR 4/6) sandy clay
loam; weak medium granular structure; very friable;
common fine and medium roots; medium acid;
abrupt smooth boundary.
Bt1-6 to 26 inches; red (2.5YR 4/6) clay; moderate
medium subangular blocky structure; firm, sticky
and plastic; common fine roots; common fine pores;
common distinct clay films on faces of peds; few
fine flakes of mica; strongly acid; gradual wavy
boundary.
Bt2-26 to 45 inches; red (2.5YR 4/8) clay; moderate
medium subangular blocky structure; firm, sticky
and plastic; few fine roots; few fine pores; common
faint clay films on faces of peds; few fine flakes of
mica; strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary.
BC-45 to 58 inches; red (2.5YR 4/6) clay loam; few
medium distinct brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles;
weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable;
common fine flakes of mica; few pockets of
saprolite; strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary.
C-58 to 80 inches; red (2.5YR 4/8) saprolite that has a
loam texture; common medium distinct brownish
yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles and few fine faint dark
red mottles; massive; friable; common fine flakes of
mica; strongly acid.

64
Soil Survey
Cecil soils have a loamy A horizon and a
predominantly clayey Bt horizon that extend to a depth
of 30 to 58 inches. The solum is 35 to 60 inches thick.
Depth to bedrock is more than 6.5 feet. The A horizon
is medium acid to very strongly acid unless lime has
been added. The Bt and BC horizons are very strongly
acid or strongly acid. Content of mica flakes ranges
from few to common in most pedons.
The A or Ap horizon has hue of 2.5YR to 7.5YR,
value of 4 or 5, and chroma of 3 to 8.
The Bt horizon has hue of 1 OR or 2.5YR, value of 4
or 5, and chroma of 6 to 8. Hue can range to 5YR in
some pedons where the soil is not mottled. The Bt
horizon is clay or clay loam. The BC horizon has hue of
2.5YR to 5YR, value of 4 to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8. It
is clay loam or sandy clay loam.
The C horizon is reddish or multicolored saprolite
weathered from felsic igneous and metamorphic rock.
The texture is variable but typically is loamy.
Chewacla Series
The Chewacla series consists of frequently flooded,
somewhat poorly drained, moderately permeable soils
on flood plains. They formed in recent alluvium. Slope
is less than 2 percent. These soils are fine -loamy,
mixed, thermic Fluvaquentic Dystrochrepts.
Chewacla soils are commonly adjacent to Congaree
soils. Congaree soils are well drained to moderately
well drained and are in a slightly higher position,
generally near the stream channel.
Typical pedon of Chewacla loam, frequently flooded;
4.5 miles south of Gastonia on U.S. Highway 321 on
State Road 1136, 0.8 mile northwest of intersection with
U.S. Highway 321, 200 feet west of road:
A-0 to 6 inches; brown (10YR 4/3) loam; weak fine
granular structure; friable; many fine and medium
roots; common fine flakes of mica; medium acid;
clear wavy boundary.
Bw1-6 to 13 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) fine
sandy loam; common medium distinct strong brown
(7.5YR 4/6) mottles; weak medium subangular
blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly
plastic; common fine and medium roots; common
fine flakes of mica; medium acid; abrupt smooth
boundary.
Bw2-13 to 20 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)
loam; many medium distinct gray (10YR 6/1)
mottles and few fine distinct reddish yellow (7.5YR
6/6) mottles; weak fine subangular blocky structure;
friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few fine
and medium roots; common fine and medium flakes
of mica; few fine distinct red (2.5Y 4/6) mottles in
old root channels; medium acid; abrupt smooth
boundary.
Bw3-20 to 32 inches; brown (10YR 5/3) clay loam;
many medium distinct dark gray (10YR 4/1) mottles
and few fine distinct strong brown (7.5YR 4/6)
mottles; weak fine subangular blocky structure;
friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few
medium roots; common fine and medium flakes of
mica; few fine distinct red (2.5Y 4/6) mottles in old
root channels; medium acid; gradual wavy
boundary.
Bg-32 to 45 inches; grayish brown (2.5Y 5/2) sandy
clay loam; common fine and medium distinct strong
brown (7.5YR 4/6) mottles; weak fine subangular
blocky structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly
plastic; few fine roots; common fine flakes of mica;
few fine distinct red (2.5Y 4/6) mottles in old root
channels; medium acid; gradual wavy boundary.
Cg1-45 to 50 inches; dark gray (10YR 4/1) sandy clay
loam; common fine and medium prominent strong
brown (7.5YR 4/6) mottles and common medium
faint light brownish gray (2.5Y 6/2) mottles;
massive; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic;
few fine roots; few fine flakes of mica; medium acid;
gradual wavy boundary.
Cg2-50 to 60 inches; light brownish gray (2.5Y 6/2)
sandy clay loam; many fine and medium distinct
brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) mottles; massive;
friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few fine
flakes of mica; few quartz gravel; medium acid.
Chewacla soils have loamy A and B horizons that
extend to a depth of more than 35 inches. Depth to
bedrock is more than 5 feet. Throughout the soil are
few to common flakes of mica, Chewacla soils range
from very strongly acid to slightly acid unless lime has
been added.
The Ap or A horizon has hue of 5YR to 10YR, value
of 3 to 5, and chroma of 1 to 4. This horizon is less
than 7 inches thick where value is 3.
The Bw horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of 4
to 7, and chroma of 3 to 8. Mottles of chroma of 2 or
less are within 24 inches of the surface. The Bg horizon
has hue of 10YR or 2.5Y, value of 4 to 7, and chroma
of 1 or 2. The Bw and Bg horizons are loam, clay loam,
sandy clay loam, fine sandy loam, or sandy loam.
The Cg horizon is similar in color to the Bg horizon
and is alluvium of variable texture.

Gaston County. North Carolina
65
Congaree Series
The Congaree series consists of occasionally
flooded, well drained or moderately well drained,
moderately permeable soils on flood plains. They
formed in recent alluvium. Slope ranges from 0 to 4
percent. These soils are fine -loamy, mixed, nonacid
thermic Typic Udifluvents.
Congaree soils are adjacent to Chewacla soils.
Chewacla soils are somewhat poorly drained and are
on lower parts of the flood plains.
Typical pedon of Congaree loam, occasionally
flooded; 3.8 miles southeast of Gastonia on Linwood
Road (State Road 1131), on State Road 1 132 0.6 mile
southeast of intersection of State Road 1131 and State
Road 1132. 250 feet east of road:
Ap-0 to 8 inches; brown (7.5YR 4/4) loam; weak fine
granular structure; friable; many fine and medium
roots; common fine flakes of mica; medium acid;
clear smooth boundary.
C-8 to 21 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) fine sandy
loam; massive; very friable; many fine roots;
common fine flakes of mica; slightly acid; gradual
wavy boundary.
Ab-21 to 25 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4)
loam; weak fine subangular blocky structure; friable;
few fine roots; common fine flakes of mica; slightly
acid; gradual wavy boundary.
Bb1-25 to 35 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) silty
clay loam; moderate medium subangular blocky
structure; firm, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few
fine roots; few fine flakes of mica; slightly acid;
gradual smooth boundary.
Bb2-35 to 42 inches; brown (7.5YR 4/4) loam; many
fine distinct yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) mottles;
weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable,
slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few medium roots;
few fine flakes of mica; common fine black
manganese concretions; slightly acid; gradual wavy
boundary.
C'-42 to 54 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) silty
clay loam; common fine distinct light brownish gray
(10YR 6/2) and reddish yellow (7.5YR 6/6) mottles;
massive; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic;
common fine flakes of mica; few fine black
manganese concretions; medium acid; gradual
wavy boundary.
Cg-54 to 62 inches; light brownish gray (10YR 6/2)
fine sandy loam; common fine distinct strong brown
(7.5YR 5/6) mottles; massive; very friable; common
fine flakes of mica; slightly acid,
Congaree soils have loamy horizons that extend to a
depth of 40 inches or more. Depth to bedrock is more
than 10 feet. Throughout the soil are few to common
flakes of mica. Congaree soils range from very strongly
acid to neutral unless lime has been added.
The Ap or A horizon has hue of 5YR to 10YR, value
of 3 to 5, and chroma of 2 to 6. Where the value is 3,
the horizon is less than 6 inches thick.
The C or C' horizon has hue of 5YR to 10YR, value
of 4 or 5, and chroma of 3 to 6. In some pedons,
mottles of chroma of 2 or less are below a depth of 24
inches. A Cg horizon is below a depth of 50 inches in
some pedons. It has hue of 10YR or 2.5Y, value of 4 to
7, and chroma of 1 or 2. The C, C', and Cg horizons
are fine sandy loam, silty clay loam, or loam with thin
strata of sandier or more clayey material.
Most pedons have Ab and Bb horizons. The Ab
horizon is similar in color to the A horizon and is loam
or fine sandy loam. The Bb horizon is similar in color to
the C or C' horizon. It is loam or silty clay loam.
Gaston Series
The Gaston series consists of well drained,
moderately permeable soils on uplands, They formed in
residuum weathered from intermediate igneous and
metamorphic rock, such as diorite. Slope ranges from 2
to 25 percent. These soils are clayey, mixed, thermic
Humic Hapludults.
Gaston soils are commonly adjacent to Cecil,
Madison, and Winnsboro soils. Cecil and Madison soils
have kaolinitic mineralogy. In addition, Madison soils
have a thinner subsoil and high content of mica.
Winnsboro soils are less acid and are more yellow.
Typical pedon of Gaston sandy clay loam, 2 to 8
percent slopes, eroded; 5 miles south of Belmont on
North Carolina Highway 273, 0.9 mile south on State
Road 2525, 500 feet south on a field road and 250 feet
west of road:
Ap-0 to 6 inches; dark reddish brown (5YR 3/4) sandy
clay loam; weak medium granular structure; friable;
many fine roots; slightly acid; clear smooth
boundary.
Bt1-6 to 14 inches; dark red (2.5YR 3/6) clay;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; firm,
sticky and plastic; common fine and few medium
roots; common distinct clay films on faces of peds;
few black streaks; medium acid; gradual wavy
boundary.
Bt2-14 to 47 inches; red (2.5YR 4/6) clay; few medium
distinct reddish yellow (7.5YR 6/8) mottles;

Soil Survey
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; firm,
sticky and plastic; common fine roots; common
distinct clay films on faces of peds; few fine flakes
of mica; few black streaks; medium acid; clear wavy
boundary.
BC-47 to 57 inches; red (2.5YR 4/6) clay loam;
common medium distinct reddish yellow (7.5YR 6/8)
mottles; weak medium subangular blocky structure;
friable; slightly sticky and slightly plastic; common
fine flakes of mica; few pockets of weathered black
minerals; medium acid; clear wavy boundary.
C-57 to 72 inches; mottled red (2.5YR 4/6), yellowish
red (5YR 5/6), and yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)
saprolite that has a loam texture; massive; common
black specks and streaks; common fine flakes of
mica; medium acid.
Gaston soils have a loamy A horizon and a
predominantly clayey Bt horizon that extend to a depth
of 34 to 58 inches. The solum is 40 to 65 inches thick.
Depth to bedrock is more than 6 feet. Most pedons
have few to common flakes of mica in the Bt horizon
and few to many flakes of mica in the BC and C
horizons. Gaston soils are strongly acid to slightly acid
unless lime has been added.
The A or Ap horizon has hue of 2.5YR to 7.5YR,
value of 3, and chroma of 3 to 6.
The Bt horizon has hue of 1 OR or 2.5YR, value of 3
or 4, and chroma of 4 to 8. Dark streaks or stains occur
in most pedons. The Bt horizon is clay or clay loam.
The BC horizon has hue of 2.5YR to 5YR, value of 4 to
6, and chroma of 6 to B. It is clay loam, sandy clay
loam, or loam.
The C horizon is reddish or multicolored saprolite
weathered from intermediate igneous and metamorphic
rock. The texture is variable but typically is loamy.
Helena Series
The Helena series consists of moderately well
drained, slowly permeable soils on uplands. They
formed in residuum weathered from felsic igneous and
metamorphic rocks, such as granite or granite gneiss
that is cut by dykes of gabbro and diorite. Slope ranges
from 1 to 6 percent. These soils are clayey, mixed,
thermic Aquic Hapludults.
Helena soils are commonly adjacent to Appling,
Vance, and Worsham soils. Appling and Vance soils are
well drained and are on ridges and side slopes. In
addition, Appling soils have kaolinitic mineralogy.
Worsham soils are poorly drained and are in lower
areas.
Typical pedon of Helena sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent
slopes; 1.3 miles northeast of Cherryville on North
Carolina Highway 150, 0.35 mile southeast on State
Road 1628, 1,000 feet northeast of intersection of road
and railroad track:
Ap-0 to 8 inches; grayish brown (10YR 5/2) sandy
loam; weak medium granular structure; very friable;
common fine and medium roots; slightly acid; abrupt
smooth boundary.
BA-8 to 13 inches; light yellowish brown (2.5Y 6/4)
sandy clay loam; weak fine subangular blocky
structure; friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic;
few fine and medium roots; few faint clay films on
faces of peds; slightly acid; clear wavy boundary.
Bt1-13 to 18 inches; pale brown (10YR 6/3) sandy
clay; common medium distinct brown (7.5YR 5/4)
mottles; moderate medium angular blocky structure;
firm, sticky and plastic; few fine roots; common faint
clay films on faces of peds; strongly acid; clear
wavy boundary.
Bt2-18 to 31 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) sandy
clay; common medium distinct light gray (10YR 7/1)
mottles; moderate medium angular blocky structure;
very firm, sticky and plastic; few fine roots; common
faint clay films on faces of peds; strongly acid; clear
wavy boundary.
BC-31 to 39 inches; reddish yellow (7.5YR 6/8) sandy
clay loam; many coarse distinct light gray (10YR
7/1) mottles and few fine distinct red (2.5YR 4/8)
mottles; weak fine subangular blocky structure; firm,
slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few faint clay films
on faces of peds; common pockets of sandy clay;
strongly acid; clear wavy boundary.
C-39 to 60 inches; reddish yellow (7.5YR 7/8) saprolite
that has a sandy clay loam texture; common coarse
distinct light gray (10YR 7/1) mottles; massive;
friable; few coarse veins of light gray (10YR 7/1)
and white (10YR 8/1) clay; strongly acid.
Helena soils have a loamy A horizon and a
predominantly clayey Bt horizon that extend to a depth
of 21 to 48 inches. The solum is 35 to 60 inches thick.
Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. Helena soils are
strongly acid or very strongly acid unless lime has been
added.
The A or Ap horizon has hue of 10YR, value of 4 to
6, and chroma of 1 to 4. Some pedons have an E
horizon that has hue of 10YR or 2.5Y, value of 5 to 7,
and chroma of 2 to 4.
The Bt horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of 5
to 7, and chroma of 3 to 8. Mottles with chroma of 2 or

Gaston County. North Carolina
67
less are in the upper 24 inches of the Bt horizon. Some
pedons are gray in the lower part of the Bt horizon. The
Bt horizon is sandy clay, clay, or clay loam. The BC
horizon is similar in color to the Bt horizon and includes
colors of gray, light gray, and white. It is clay loam,
sandy clay loam, or sandy loam.
The C horizon is multicolored saprolite that has
weathered from felsic igneous and metamorphic rock.
The texture is variable but typically is loamy.
Lignum Series
The Lignum series consists of moderately well
drained to somewhat poorly drained, very slowly
permeable soils on uplands. They formed in residuum
weathered from sericite schist or phyllite. Slope ranges
from 1 to 6 percent. These soils are clayey, mixed,
thermic Aquic Hapludults.
Lignum soils are commonly adjacent to Tatum and
Alamance Variant soils. Tatum and Alamance Variant
soils are well drained and are on ridges and side
slopes.
Typical pedon of Lignum silt loam, 1 to 6 percent
slopes; 3 miles southeast of Kings Mountain Pinnacle,
1,000 feet south of the intersection of State Road 1 1 12
and State Road 1106:
A-0 to 4 inches; grayish brown (10YR 5/2) silt loam;
moderate medium granular structure; very friable;
many fine and few medium roots; very strongly acid;
clear wavy boundary.
BA-4 to 8 inches; pale brown (10YR 6/3) silty clay
loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure;
friable; many fine roots; very strongly acid; clear
wavy boundary.
Bt1-8 to 20 inches; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)
clay: few medium distinct light gray (10YR 1/1)
mottles; moderate medium subangular blocky
structure; firm, sticky and plastic; common medium
roots; many distinct clay films on faces of peds;
very strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary.
Bt2-20 to 28 inches; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)
clay; many medium distinct light gray (10YR 7/1)
mottles; moderate medium subangular blocky
structure; firm, sticky and plastic; common medium
roots; many distinct clay films on faces of peds; few
quartz pebbles: very strongly acid; gradual wavy
boundary.
BC-28 to 36 inches; mottled light yellowish brown
(10YR 6/4), light gray (10YR 7/1), and strong brown
(7.5YR 5/8) silty clay loam; weak medium
subangular blocky structure; friable; common quartz
pebbles and schist channers; very strongly acid;
clear irregular boundary.
C-36 to 60 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) saprolite
that has a gravelly silty clay loam texture; common
medium distinct light gray (10YR 7/2) mottles;
massive; friable; 25 percent, by volume, schist
channers and quartz gravel; very strongly acid.
Lignum soils have a loamy A horizon and a
predominantly clayey Bt horizon that extend to a depth
of 18 to 38 inches. The solum is 20 to 40 inches thick.
Depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches. Lignum soils
are very strongly acid or strongly acid unless lime has
been added.
The Ap or A horizon has hue of 10YR or 7.5YR,
value of 4 or 5, and chroma of 2 to 4. Some pedons
have an E horizon that has hue of 10YR or 2.5Y, value
of 5 to 7, and chroma of 1 to 4.
The Bt horizon has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR, value of 5
or 7, and chroma of 3 to 8. Mottles with chroma of 2 or
less are in the upper 10 inches of the Bt horizon. In
some pedons, the lower part of the Bt horizon has
dominant chroma of 2 or less. The Bt horizon is silty
clay, silty clay loam, clay loam, or clay. The BC horizon
is similar in color to the lower part of the Bt horizon. It is
silty clay loam or clay loam.
The C horizon is brownish or multicolored saprolite
that is weathered from sericite schist or phyllite. It
contains 15 to 35 percent, by volume, schist channers
and quartz gravel. The texture is variable but typically is
loamy.
Madison Series
The Madison series consists of well drained,
moderately permeable soils on uplands. They formed in
residuum weathered from felsic micaceous metamorphic
rock, such as mica schist and mica gneiss. Slope
ranges from 2 to 25 percent. These soils are clayey,
kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults.
Madison soils are commonly adjacent to Cecil,
Gaston, and Pacolet soils. These soils have less mica
than Madison soils. In addition, Cecil and Gaston soils
have thicker subsoils.
Typical pedon of Madison sandy clay loam, 2 to 8
percent slopes, eroded; 3.5 miles northeast of Dallas on
North Carolina Highway 275, 0.4 mile south on State
Road 2002, 50 feet west of road:
Ap-0 to 4 inches; yellowish red (5YR 4/6) sandy clay
loam; weak medium granular structure; very friable;
common fine and medium roots; common fine

Soil Survey
flakes of mica; strongly acid; clear smooth
boundary.
Bt1-4 to 20 inches; red (2.5YR 4/6) clay; few'fine
distinct reddish yellow (7.5YR 6/8) mottles;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; firm,
sticky and plastic; common fine and medium roots;
common fine pores; common faint clay films on
faces of peds; common fine flakes of mica; strongly
acid; gradual wavy boundary.
Bt2-20 to 28 inches; red (2.5YR 4/6) clay; common
medium distinct reddish yellow (7.5YR 6/8) mottles;
weak medium subangular blocky structure; firm,
sticky and plastic; few fine and medium roots;
common fine pores; common faint clay films on
faces of peds; many fine flakes of mica; few quartz
pebbles; strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary.
BC-28 to 36 inches; yellowish red (5YR 5/6) clay
loam; common medium distinct reddish yellow
(7.5YR 6/8) mottles; weak medium subangular
blocky structure; friable; many fine flakes of mica
that feel greasy; common medium fragments of rock
and pockets of saprolite that crushes easily to loam;
strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary.
C-36 to 60 inches; mottled red (2.5YR 4/6), yellowish
red (5YR 5/6), reddish yellow (7.5YR 6/8), reddish
brown (5YR 5/4), and pale brown (10YR 6/3)
saprolite that has a loam texture; friable; many fine
mica flakes that feel greasy; very strongly acid.
Madison soils have a loamy A horizon and a
predominantly clayey Bt horizon that extend to a depth
of 20 to 30 inches. The solum is 20 to 40 inches thick.
Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. Content of mica
ranges from few to many flakes in the upper horizons to
many in the lower horizons. Madison soils are strongly
acid or very strongly acid unless lime has been added.
The A or Ap horizon has hue of 5YR or 7.5YR, value
of 4 or 5, and chroma of 4 to 8.
The Bt horizon has hue of 1 OR to 5YR, value of 4 to
6, and chroma of 6 to 8. It is clay, sandy clay, or clay
loam. The BC horizon is similar in color to the Bt
horizon and is clay loam, sandy clay loam, or loam.
The C horizon is multicolored saprolite weathered
from felsic micaceous metamorphic rock. The texture is
variable but typically is loamy.
Pacolet Series
The Pacolet series consists of well drained,
moderately permeable soils on uplands. They formed in
residuum weathered from felsic igneous and
metamorphic rock, such as granite and gneiss. Slope
ranges from 8 to 45 percent. These soils are clayey,
kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults.
Pacolet soils are commonly adjacent to Cecil,
Madison, and Wedowee soils. Cecil soils have thicker
subsoils. Madison soils have a high content of mica.
Wedowee soils have a more yellow Bt horizon.
Typical pedon of Pacolet sandy loam, 15 to 25
percent slopes; 2 miles northeast of Dallas, 800 feet
northeast of intersection of State Road.1804 and State
Road 1800:
A-0 to 5 inches; brown (7.5YR 4/2) sandy loam;
moderate medium granular structure; friable; many
fine and medium roots; strongly acid; clear wavy
boundary.
BA-5 to 8 inches; red (2.5YR 4/8) clay loam; weak fine
subangular blocky structure; friable; common fine
and medium roots; few fine flakes of mica; very
strongly acid; clear wavy boundary.
Bt-8 to 27 inches; red (2.5YR 4/6) clay; few medium
distinct reddish yellow (7.5YR 7/6) mottles;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; firm,
sticky and plastic; common faint clay films on faces
of peds; common fine flakes of mica; very strongly
acid; gradual wavy boundary.
BC-27 to 39 inches; red (2.5YR 4/6) clay loam;
common medium distinct dark red (2.5YR 3/6),
reddish yellow (7.5YR 7/6), and brownish yellow
(10YR 6/8) mottles; weak medium subangular
blocky structure; friable; common fine flakes of
mica; very strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary.
C-39 to 60 inches; mottled red (2.5YR 4/6), dark red
(2.5YR 3/6), yellowish red (5YR 4/6), and brownish
yellow (10YR 6/8) saprolite that has a loam texture;
massive; friable; common fine flakes of mica; very
strongly acid.
Pacolet soils have a loamy A horizon and a
predominantly clayey Bt horizon that extend to a depth
of 20 to 30 inches. The solum is 30 to 50 inches thick.
The depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. Content of
mica flakes ranges from few to common in most
pedons. The Pacolet soils are medium acid to very
strongly acid unless lime has been added.
The A or Ap horizon has hue of 5YR to 10YR, value
of 4 or 5, and chroma of 2 to 8. Some pedons have an
E horizon that has hue of 5YR to 10YR, value of 4 to 6,
and chroma of 3 to 8.
The Bt horizon has hue of 1 OR or 2.5YR, value of 4
or 5, and chroma of 6 to 8. It is clay loam, sandy clay,
or clay. The BC horizon is mottled in shades of red,
yellow, or brown. It is clay loam, sandy clay loam, or

Gaston County, North Carolina
sandy loam. Some pedons do not have have a BC
horizon.
The C horizon is multicolored saprolite weathered
from felsic igneous and metamorphic rock. The texture
is variable but typically is loamy.
Tatum Series
The Tatum series consists of well drained,
moderately permeable soils on uplands. They formed in
residuum weathered from sericite schist and phyllite.
Slope ranges from 2 to 25 percent. These soils are
clayey, -mixed, thermic Typic Hapludults.
Tatum soils are commonly adjacent to Alamance
Variant, Uwharrie, and Lignum soils. Alamance Variant
soils have a more yellow Bt horizon. Uwharrie soils
have many boulders and stones on the surface and are
on steep side slopes. Lignum soils are moderately well
drained to somewhat poorly drained and are along
drainageways.
Typical pedon of Tatum gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent
slopes; 0.5 mile south of Crowders Mountain State Park
Center on State Road 1125, 100 feet west of road:
Oe-1 to 0 inches; fresh and partly decomposed leaves
and twigs.
A-0 to 3 inches; brown (10YR 5/3) gravelly loam; weak
fine granular structure; very friable; common fine
and medium roots; 20 percent, by volume, quartz
gravel; very strongly acid; abrupt smooth boundary.
E-3 to 6 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) gravelly
loam; weak fine granular structure; very friable;
common fine and medium roots; 15 percent, by
volume, quartz gravel; very strongly acid; abrupt
smooth boundary.
Bt1-6 to 15 inches; red (2.5 .'R 4/8) clay; moderate
medium subangular blocky structure; firm, plastic
and sticky; common fine and medium roots;
common fine pores; common faint clay films on
faces of peds; about 1 percent, by volume, quartz
gravel; very strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary.
Bt2-15 to 30 inches; red (2.5YR 4/6) clay; moderate
medium subangular blocky structure; firm, plastic
and sticky; few fine and medium roots; few fine
pores; common faint clay films on faces of peds;
about 1 percent, by volume, schist channers and
quartz gravel; few fine flakes of mica; very strongly
acid; gradual wavy boundary.
Bt3-30 to 38 inches; red (2.5YR 4/8) clay; weak
medium subangular blocky structure; firm, plastic
and sticky; few fine roots; few fine pores; common
faint clay films on faces of peds; about 5 percent,
by volume, schist channers and quartz gravel;
strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary.
BC-38 to 48 inches; red (2.5YR 5/8) clay loam;
common pockets of yellow (10YR 7/6), and pinkish
white (5YR 8/2) saprolite; weak medium and fine
subangular blocky structure; friable; about 10
percent, by volume, schist channers; very strongly
acid; gradual wavy boundary.
C-48 to 58 inches; mottled red (2.5YR 4/6), yellowish
red (5YR 5/6), yellowish brown (10YR 5/6), and
pinkish white (5YR 8/2) saprolite that has a silt loam
texture; massive; about 15 percent, by volume,
schist channers; very strongly acid; gradual wavy
boundary.
Cr-58 to 62 inches; multicolored weathered schist
bedrock; partly consolidated but can be dug with
difficulty with a spade.
Tatum soils have a loamy A horizon and a
predominantly clayey Bt horizon that extend to a depth
of 14 to 40 inches. The solum is 25 to 50 inches thick.
Content of coarse fragments ranges from 15 to 25
percent in the A and E horizons. Depth to weathered
bedrock ranges from 40 to 60 inches. Tatum soils are
very strongly acid or strongly acid unless lime has been
added.
The Ap or A horizon has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR,
value of 4 or 5, and chroma of 2 to 8. The E horizon
has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR, value of 5 or 6, and chroma
of 3 to 6. Some pedons do not have an E horizon.
The Bt horizon has hue of 2.5YR or 10R, value of 4
or 5, and chroma of 6 to 8. It is silty clay, clay loam, or
clay. The BC horizon typically has hue of 2.5YR, value
of 5, and chroma of 6 to 8, or is mottled in shades of
red, yellow, or brown. It is clay loam, silty clay loam, or
silt loam.
The C horizon is multicolored saprolite weathered
from sericite schist and phyllite. The texture is variable
but typically is loamy.
The Cr horizon is weathered sericite schist or phyllite
that can be cut with difficulty with hand tools.
Udorthents
Udorthents consist of areas where the natural soil
has been altered by excavation or covered by earthy fill
material. These areas are well drained or moderately
well drained. The excavated areas mainly are borrow
pits from which the soil has been removed and used as
foundation material for roads or buildings. In most
excavated areas, the exposed substratum is loam,
sandy loam, or sandy clay loam. The fill areas are sites

70
Soil Survey
where at least 20 inches of loamy earthy fill material
covers borrow pits, landfills, natural drainageways, or
low-lying areas. Slopes range from nearly level to
steep, and some areas are undulating.
A typical pedon is not given for these soils because
of their variability. Most areas are deep or very deep to
bedrock, but some areas, particularly borrow areas, are
moderately deep or shallow to bedrock. The fill areas
are more than 20 inches deep and as thick as 30 feet in
places. Landfills have layers of material other than soil
covered by loamy soil material.
Udorthents have colors in shades of red, browns,
yellows, and grays. The texture is variable but typically
is loamy. The material ranges from extremely acid to
slightly acid.
Uwharrie Series
The Uwharrie series consists of well drained,
moderately permeable soils on uplands. They formed in
residuum weathered from sericite schist and phyllite.
Slope ranges from 25 to 45 percent. These soils are
clayey, mixed, thermic Typic Hapludults.
The Uwharrie soils as mapped in Gaston County are
considered taxadjuncts to the Uwharrie series. They
differ by being typically less than 60 inches to
weathered bedrock, having a thinner Bt horizon, and
being less clayey. Interpretations are controlled by
slope and surface boulders.
Uwharrie soils are commonly adjacent to Tatum soils,
which are on slopes of less than 25 percent and do not
have surface stones and boulders.
Typical pedon of Uwharrie stony loam, 25 to 45
percent slopes, very bouldery; 8 miles southwest of
Gastonia, on State Road 1104, 2,5 miles west of
intersection of State Road 1125 and State Road 1104,
0.5 mile east of State Road 1104 on trail, 300 feet west
of base of the Pinnacle:
A-0 to 4 inches; brown (7.5YR 4/4) stony loam; weak
medium granular structure; friable; common fine and
medium roots; 30 percent, by volume, stones;
boulders 2 to 6 feet long and about 10 feet apart on
the surface; very strongly acid; clear wavy
boundary.
Bt1-4 to 12 inches; red (2.5YR 5/8) clay loam;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; firm;
common fine and few medium roots; common
distinct clay films on faces of peds; 5 percent, by
volume, schist channers; very strongly acid; gradual
wavy boundary.
Bt2-12 to 30 inches; red (2.5YR 4/6) clay loam;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; firm;
few fine and medium roots; common distinct clay
films on faces of peds; 10 percent, by volume,
schist channers; very strongly acid; gradual irregular
boundary.
BC-30 to 40 inches; red (2.5YR 4/6) silt loam; weak
medium subangular blocky structure; friable; few
medium roots; 10 percent, by volume, schist
channers; very strongly acid; gradual irregular
boundary.
C-40 to 50 inches; mottled red (2.5YR 4/6), yellowish
red (5YR 5/6), brown (7.5YR 5/4), and gray (10YR
6/1) saprolite that has a silt loam texture; massive;
12 percent, by volume, schist channers; very
strongly acid.
Cr-50 to 60 inches; multicolored weathered fine
grained schist; difficult to dig with spade.
Uwharrie soils have a loamy A horizon and a loamy
or clayey Bt horizon that extend to a depth of 30 to 50
inches. The solum is 40 to 70 inches thick. Most
pedons have weathered bedrock between 40 and 60
inches. Content of coarse fragments, dominantly stone
size but can be cobbles or boulders in some areas,
range from 15 to as much as 35 percent, by volume, in
the A and E horizon and as much as 10 percent in the
Bt horizon. Many boulders and stones are on the
surface. Uwharrie soils are medium acid to very
strongly acid unless lime has been added.
The A horizon has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR, value of 4
or 5, and chroma of 2 to 6. Some pedons have an E
horizon that has hue of 10YR, value of 5 or 6, and
chroma of 3 to 6.
The Bt horizon has hue of 2.5YR or 5YR, value of 4
or 5, and chroma of 6 to 8. It is clay, clay loam, or silty
clay. The BC horizon is similar in color to the Bt
horizon. It is clay loam, silty clay loam, or silt loam.
The C horizon is multicolored saprolite. It contains 5
to 15 percent, by volume, schist channers. The texture
is variable but typically is loamy.
The Cr horizon is multicolored weathered sericite
schist or phyllite that can be dug with difficulty with
hand tools.
Vance Series
The Vance series consists of well drained, slowly
permeable soils on uplands. They formed in residuum
weathered from felsic igneous and metamorphic rock,
such as gneiss and granite. Slope ranges from 2 to 15
percent. These soils are clayey, mixed, thermic Typic
Hapludults.

Gaston County, North Carolina
71
Vance soils are commonly adjacent to Helena,
Appling, Cecil, and Worsham soils. Helena soils are
moderately well drained. Appling and Cecil soils have
kaolinitic mineralogy. In addition, Cecil soils have hue
redder than 5YR in the Bt horizon. Worsham soils are
poorly drained and are in shallow depressions and
along drainageways.
Typical pedon of Vance sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent
slopes; 2.3 miles south of Gastonia Municipal Airport on
North Carolina Highway 274, on State Road 2426, 0.5
mile southwest of intersection of State Road 2425 and
State Road 2426, 50 feet west of road:
Ap-0 to 5 inches; brown (10YR 5/3) sandy loam; weak
fine granular structure; friable; many fine and few
medium roots; neutral; abrupt smooth boundary.
Bt1-5 to 12 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) clay;
common medium prominent red (2.5YR 4/6)
mottles; moderate medium angular blocky structure;
very firm, sticky and plastic; few fine roots; common
fine pores; common distinct clay films on faces of
peds; neutral; clear wavy boundary.
131:2-12 to 20 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) clay;
common coarse prominent red (2.5YR 4/6) mottles;
moderate medium angular blocky structure; very
firm, sticky and plastic; few fine roots; few fine
pores; common distinct clay films on faces of peds;
strongly acid; clear wavy boundary.
Bt3-20 to 32 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) clay;
many coarse prominent red (2.5YR 4/6) mottles;
moderate medium angular blocky structure; very
firm, sticky and plastic; few fine roots; many fine
pores; few faint clay films on faces of peds; few
pockets of saprolite; very strongly acid; gradual
irregular boundary.
BC-32 to 37 inches; reddish yellow (7.5Y 6/8) clay
loam; common fine distinct brownish yellow (10YR
6,6) mottles; weak fine subangular blocky structure;
friable, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few fine
pores; common pockets of saprolite; very strongly
acid; gradual irregular boundary.
C-37 to 60 inches; mottled brown (7.5YR 5/4), reddish
yellow (7.5YR 6/8), and white (10YR 8/2) saprolite
that has a loam texture; massive; friable; very
strongly acid.
Vance soils have a loamy A horizon and a
predominantly clayey Bt horizon that extend to a depth
of 20 to 35 inches. The solum is 24 to 40 inches thick.
Depth to bedrock is more than 6 feet. Vance soils are
strongly acid or medium acid in the A horizon and
strongly acid or very strongly acid in the Bt, BC, and C
horizons unless lime has been added.
The A or Ap horizon has hue of 10YR or 2.5Y, value
of 4 to 6, and chroma of 2 to 4. Some pedons have an
E horizon that has hue of 2.5Y to 7.5YR, value of 5 to
7, and chroma of 3 to 6.
The Bt horizon has hue of 5YR to 10YR, value of 5
or 6, and chroma of 4 to 8. Mottles in shades of red,
brown, and yellow are in most pedons. The Bt horizon
is clay, clay loam, or sandy clay. The BC horizon is
similar in color to the Bt horizon and is sandy clay loam,
clay loam, or loam. Some pedons do not have a BC
horizon.
The C horizon is multicolored saprolite weathered
from felsic igneous and metamorphic rock. The texture
is variable but typically is loamy.
Wedowee Series
The Wedowee series consists of well drained,
moderately permeable soils on uplands. They formed in
residuum weathered from felsic igneous and
metamorphic rock, such as gneiss and granite. Slope
ranges from 6 to 15 percent. These soils are clayey,
kaolinitic, thermic Typic Hapludults.
Wedowee soils are commonly adjacent to Appling,
Cecil, and Pacolet soils. Appling and Cecil soils have
thicker subsoils. Cecil and Pacolet soils have hue
redder than 5YR in the Bt horizon.
Typical pedon of Wedowee sandy loam, 6 to 15
percent slopes; 6 miles southeast of Gastonia on North
Carolina Highway 274, 1,800 feet east of intersection
with State Road 2439:
A-0 to 2 inches; grayish brown (10YR 5/2) sandy
loam; weak fine granular structure; very friable; few
medium and many fine roots; strongly acid; clear
smooth boundary.
E-2 to 7 inches; brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) sandy
loam; weak fine granular structure; very friable;
common fine roots; strongly acid; gradual smooth
boundary.
BE-7 to 10 inches; brownish yellow (10YR 6/6) sandy
clay loam; weak fine subangular blocky structure;
friable; few fine roots; common fine and medium
pores; very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary.
Bt-10 to 24 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) sandy
clay; few medium distinct yellowish red (5YR 5/8)
mottles and few fine distinct very pale brown (10YR
7/3) mottles; moderate medium subangular blocky
structure; firm, sticky and plastic; common faint clay

72
Soil Survey
films on faces of peds; few fine roots; few fine
pores; few fine flakes of mica; strongly acid; gradual
wavy boundary.
BC-24 to 33 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) sandy
clay loam, common medium distinct brown (7.5YR
5/4) and yellowish red (5YR 5/8) mottles and few
medium distinct brownish yellow (10YR 6/8) mottles;
weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable;
few fine roots; common pockets of sandy clay; few
fine flakes of mica; strongly acid; gradual wavy
boundary.
C-33 to 62 inches; mottled strong brown (7.5YR 5/8),
yellowish red (5YR 5/8), and brown (7.5YR 5/4)
saprolite that has sandy clay loam texture; massive;
friable; common fine flakes of mica; very strongly
acid.
Wedowee soils have a loamy A horizon and a
predominantly clayey Bt horizon that extend to a depth
of 20 to 30 inches. The solum is 20 to 40 inches thick.
Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. Content of mica
flakes ranges from few to common in most pedons.
Wedowee soils are strongly acid or very strongly acid
unless lime has been added.
The A or Ap horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value
of 4 to 6, and chroma of 2 to 4. The E horizon has hue
of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of 5 to 7, and chroma of 3 to 6.
Some pedons do not have an E horizon.
The Bt horizon has hue of 5YR to 10YR, value of 5
or 6, and chroma of 6 to 8. It is clay, sandy clay, or clay
loam. Mottles in shades of red, yellow, and brown range
from few to many. The BC horizon is similar in color to
the Bt horizon. It is sandy clay loam, clay loam, or loam.
The C horizon is multicolored saprolite weathered
from felsic igneous and metamorphic rock. The texture
is variable but typically is loamy.
Wiikes Series
The Wilkes series consists of well drained,
moderately slowly permeable soils on uplands. They
formed in residuum weathered from intermediate and
mafic igneous and metamorphic rock, such as diorite
and gabbro. Slope ranges from 6 to 30 percent. These
soils are loamy, mixed, thermic, shallow Typic
Hapludalfs.
Wilkes soils are commonly adjacent to Winnsboro
and Gaston soils. These soils are deeper to bedrock.
Winnsboro soils have a thicker subsoil, and Gaston
soils have hue redder than 5YR and a more permeable
subsoil.
Typical pedon of Wilkes loam, 15 to 30 percent
slopes; 2 miles southeast of Stanley on State Road
1918, 5.2 miles southeast on State Road 1923, 250 feet
northeast of road in wooded area:
Oi-2 to 1 inches; undecomposed, mixed hardwood and
pine forest litter.
Oe-1 to 0 inches; partly decomposed forest litter.
A-0 to 6 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4)
loam; weak fine granular structure; very friable;
common fine and medium roots; common fine
manganese concretions; medium acid; abrupt wavy
boundary.
Bt-6 to 11 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) clay;
strong medium angular blocky structure; firm, sticky
and plastic; common fine and few medium roots;
common faint clay films on faces of peds and sides
of root channels; common streaks and bodies of
black, green, and yellowish brown partly weathered
primary minerals; old root channels have material
from the A horizon; slightly acid; clear wavy
boundary.
B/C-11 to 15 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) sandy
clay loam; weak medium subangular blocky
structure; firm, slightly sticky and slightly plastic;
common medium prominent black, yellowish brown,
and green pockets of saprolite and weathered
primary minerals with a sandy loam texture; few fine
roots; slightly acid; clear wavy boundary.
Cr-15 to 60 inches; multicolored weathered diorite
bedrock; partly consolidated but can be dug with
difficulty with a spade; few pockets of clay loam
filling seams; common hard diorite fragments.
Wilkes soils have loamy and clayey horizons 10 to 20
inches thick underlain by a Cr horizon of weathered
bedrock. Depth to hard bedrock is more than 40 inches.
Manganese concretions range. from few to common in
most pedons. The soil is strongly acid to slightly acid in
the upper horizons and slightly acid to mildly alkaline in
the lower horizons.
The A or Ap horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value
of 3 to 5, and chroma of 2 to 4. Some pedons have an
E horizon that has hue of 10YR or 2.5Y, value of 5 or 6,
and chroma of 2 to 4.
The B horizon has hue of 5YR to 2.5Y, value of 4 to
6, and chroma of 4 to 8. Mottles, bodies, or streaks of
black, greenish, grayish, or white saprolite or primary
minerals are few to common in most pedons. The B
horizon is clay, clay loam, sandy clay loam, or loam.
The B/C horizon has a matrix similar in color and
texture to the B horizon. Pockets of less weathered
material similar in color and texture to the C horizon

Gaston County, North Carolina
73
make up 5 to 20 percent of the volume.
Some pedons have a C horizon. It is multicolored
saprolite weathered from intermediate and mafic
igneous and metamorphic rock. It is variable in texture
but typically is loamy.
The Cr horizon is multicolored, weathered
intermediate and mafic igneous and metamorphic rock
that can be dug with difficulty with hand tools.
Winnsboro Series
The Winnsboro series consists of well drained, slowly
permeable soils on uplands. They formed in residuum
weathered from intermediate and mafic igneous and
metamorphic rocks, such as diorite and gabbro. Slope
ranges from 2 to 15 percent. These soils are fine,
mixed, thermic Typic Hapludalfs.
Winnsboro soils are commonly adjacent to Gaston,
Cecil, and Wilkes soils. Gaston and Cecil soils have a
dark red or red subsoil and are more permeable. Wilkes
soils have weathered bedrock within 20 inches of the
surface.
Typical pedon of Winnsboro loam, 2 to 8 percent
slopes; 2.2 miles southeast of Stanley on North
Carolina Highway 27. 0.25 mile north of highway:
A-0 to 5 inches; dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) loam;
weak medium granular structure; very friable;
common fine and medium roots; common fine and
few medium manganese concretions; slightly acid;
clear wavy boundary.
E-5 to 8 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) loam;
weak medium granular structure; very friable;
common fine and few medium roots; common fine
manganese concretions and few quartz pebbles;
medium acid; clear wavy boundary.
Bt1-8 to 20 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) clay;
moderate medium angular blocky structure; very
firm, sticky and plastic; many distinct clay films on
faces of peds; few fine roots; common fine
manganese concretions and streaks; slightly acid;
gradual wavy boundary.
Bt2-20 to 28 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) clay;
few medium distinct brownish yellow (10YR 6/6)
mottles: moderate medium angular blocky structure;
very firm, sticky and plastic; many distinct clay films
on faces of peds; few fine root channels; few fine
manganese concretions and streaks; slightly acid;
gradual wavy boundary.
BC-28 to 36 inches; mottled brown (7.5R 5/4) and
strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) clay loam; weak medium
angular blocky structure; firm, slightly sticky and
slightly plastic; few fine roots; common faint clay
films on faces of peds; few fine manganese
concretions and common black streaks; common
medium pockets of saprolite that have a loam
texture; neutral; gradual wavy boundary.
C-36 to 60 inches; mottled brownish yellow (10YR
6/6), very pale brown (10YR 8/3), reddish yellow
(7.5YR 6/8), and strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) saprolite
that has a loam texture; massive; friable; common
black specks and streaks; neutral.
Winnsboro soils have a loamy A horizon and a
predominantly clayey Bt horizon that extend to a depth
of 20 to 37 inches. The solum is 20 to 40 inches thick.
Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. Manganese
concretions range from few to common in most pedons.
Winnsboro soils range from strongly acid to slightly acid
in the A and E horizons and from slightly acid to mildly
alkaline in the Bt, BC, and C horizons.
The Ap or A horizons have hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y,
value of 4 or 5, and chroma of 2 to 4. The E horizon
has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of 4 to 6, and chroma
of 2 to 8. Some pedons do not have an E horizon.
The Bt horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of 4
to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8. It is clay or clay loam. The
BC horizon is mottled in shades of brown, yellow, olive,
or black. It is clay loam, loam, or sandy clay loam.
Some pedons do not have a BC horizon.
The C horizon is multicolored saprolite weathered
from intermediate and mafic rock. The texture is
variable but typically is loamy.
Worsham Series
The Worsham series consists of poorly drained, very
slowly permeable soils on uplands. They formed in a
mixture of colluvium and local alluvium or residuum
derived from felsic igneous and metamorphic rock, such
as granite and gneiss. Slope ranges from 0 to 2
percent. These soils are clayey, mixed, thermic Typic
Ochraquults.
Worsham soils are commonly adjacent to Helena
soils. Helena soils are moderately well drained and are
in slightly higher positions.
Typical pedon of Worsham loam, 0 to 2 percent
slopes; 3.5 miles northwest of Cherryville on State
Road 1651, 0.9 mile north on State Road 1649, 0.4 mile
west on State Road 1650, 500 feet southeast of road:
Ap-0 to 6 inches; dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) loam;

74
weak fine granular structure; very friable; many fine
and medium roots; strongly acid; abrupt smooth
boundary.
BAg-6 to 16 inches; gray (10YR 5/1) clay loam; weak
fine subangular blocky structure; friable, slightly
sticky and slightly plastic; common fine and medium
roots; few fine flakes of mica; strongly acid; clear
smooth boundary.
Btg1-16 to 40 inches; gray (10YR 5/1) clay; common
medium distinct strong brown (7.5YR 5/8) mottles;
moderate medium subangular blocky structure; firm,
sticky and plastic; few fine roots; common distinct
continuous clay films on faces of peds; few fine
flakes of mica; very strongly acid; gradual wavy
boundary.
Btg2-40 to 45 inches; light gray (10YR 6/1) clay;
common medium distinct yellowish brown (10YR
5/8) mottles; weak coarse subangular blocky
structure; very firm, sticky and very plastic; few fine
roots; common distinct clay films on faces of peds;
few fine flakes of mica; very strongly acid; gradual
wavy boundary.
BCg-45 to 60 inches; light gray (10YR 6/1) clay loam;
few medium distinct yellowish brown (10YR 5/8)
mottles; weak coarse subangular blocky structure;
firm, slightly sticky and slightly plastic; few fine
roots; few fine flakes of mica; very strongly acid.
Worsham soils have a loamy A horizon and a
predominantly clayey Bt horizon that extend to a depth
of 30 to 50 inches. The solum is 40 to 80 inches thick.
Depth to bedrock is more than 5 feet. Content of mica
flakes ranges from few to common in most pedons.
Worsham soils are very strongly acid or strongly acid
unless lime has been added.
The Ap or A horizon has hue of 10YR or 2.5Y, value
of 2 to 4, and chroma of 0 to 2.
The Btg horizon has hue of 10YR to 5Y, value of 5 or
6, and chroma of 0 to 2. It is clay, sandy clay, or clay
loam. The BCg horizon is similar in color to the Btg
horizon and is sandy clay loam or clay loam.
Some pedons have a Cg horizon that is typically gray
loamy colluvium and alluvium or saprolite weathered
from felsic igneous and metamorphic rock. The texture
is variable but typically is loamy.

75
Formation of the Soils
Soils are formed by processes of the environment
acting upon geologic agents, such as metamorphic,
igneous, and sedimentary rocks, and fluvial stream
sediments. The characteristics of a soil are determined
by the combined influence of parent material, climate,
plant and animal life, relief, and time. These five factors
of soil formation are responsible for the profile
development and chemical properties that make soils
different (9).
Parent Material
Parent material is the unconsolidated mass from
which a soil forms. The character of this mass affects
the kind of profile that develops and the degree of
development. In Gaston County, the parent material is a
major factor in determining what kind of soil forms, and
it can be correlated to some degree to geologic
formations. The general soil map is an approximate
guide to the geology of the county.
The general soil map associations and the major rock
types from which the soil's parent material weathered
are the:
• Cecil-Pacolet, Cecil -Urban land, and Appling-
Wedowee-Pacolet associations—felsic igneous and
metamorphic rocks (granite, biotite gneiss, biotite-
muscovite schist, augen gneiss, and pegmatite).
• Tatum association—sericite phyllite or sericite
schist.
• Gaston -Winnsboro -Cecil association —intermingled
areas of intermediate, mafic, and felsic igneous and
metamorphic rocks (diorite, gabbro, amphibolite, and
granite).
• Madison association —mica gneiss and mica schist.
• Chewacla-Congaree association —recent alluvium.
Parent material is largely responsible for the
chemical and mineralogical composition of soils and for
the major differences among the soils of the county.
Major differences in parent material, such as texture,
can be observed in the field. Less distinct differences,
such as mineralogical composition, can be determined
only by careful laboratory analysis.
Climate
Climatic factors, particularly precipitation and
temperature, affect the physical, chemical, and
biological relationships in the soil. They influence the
rates at which rocks weather and organic matter
decomposes. The amount of leaching in a soil is also
related to the amount of rainfall and its movement
through the soil. The effects of climate also control the
kinds of plants and animals that can thrive in a region.
Temperature influences the kind and growth of
organisms and the speed of chemical and physical
reactions in the soil.
Gaston County has a warm, humid climate and
ranges in elevation from 587 to 1,705 feet. Mountains to
the west of the county have a modifying effect on both
temperature changes and precipitation; therefore,
changes are gradual. The climate favors rapid chemical
processes, resulting in decomposition of organic matter
and rock weathering. The mild temperature and
abundant rainfall cause intense leaching and oxidizing.
The effects of climate are reflected in the soils of
Gaston County. Mild temperatures throughout the year
and abundant rainfall have depleted the organic matter
and considerably leached the soluble bases. Because
variations are small, climate probably has not caused
major local differences among soils. The most important
effect of climate on the formation of Gaston County
soils is in the alteration of parent material through
changes in temperature and the amount of precipitation
and through influences on plant and animal life.
Plant and Animal life
Plant and animal life influences the formation and
differentiation of soil horizons. The kind and number of
organisms in and on the soil are determined partly by
climate and partly by the nature of the soil material, the
relief, and the age of the soil. Bacteria, fungi, and other
micro-organisms aid in the weathering of rocks and in
the decomposition of organic matter. The plants and
animals that live on a soil are the primary source of
organic material.

76
Soil Survey
Plants generally determine the kinds and amounts of
organic matter that enter a soil under normal conditions
as well as how the organic matter is added. Plants also
have an important part in the changes of base status
and in the leaching process of a soil through the
nutrient cycle.
Animals convert complex compounds into simpler
forms and add their own bodies to the organic matter.
In addition, organisms modify certain chemical and
physical properties. In Gaston County, most of the
organic material accumulates on the surface where it is
acted upon by micro-organisms, fungi, earthworms, and
other forms of life, and by direct chemical reaction. The
material is then mixed with the uppermost mineral part
of the soil by the activities of earthworms and other
small invertebrates. Rodents have had little effect on
the formation of soils.
In this county, plants do not bring enough base
material to the surface to counteract the effects of
leaching. In general, the soils developed under a
hardwood forest. The trees took up elements from the
subsoil. Their leaves, roots, twigs, and eventually the
whole tree, added organic matter to the surface. The
material was then acted upon by organisms and
underwent chemical reaction.
Organic material decomposes rapidly in the soils of
Gaston County because of the moderate temperatures,
the abundant moisture, and the character of the organic
material. Organic matter decays so rapidly that little
accumulates in the soil.
Relief
Relief influences free drainage, surface runoff, soil
temperature, and the extent of geologic erosion. In
Gaston County, relief is generally determined by the
kind of underlying bedrock, the geology of the area, and
the amount of landscape dissected by streams.
Relief affects percolation of water through the profile.
Water movement is important in soil development
because it aids chemical reactions and is necessary for
leaching.
Slopes in the county range from 0 to 45 percent. On
uplands where slopes are less than 10 percent, such
soils as the Appling, Cecil, and Gaston soils generally
have deeper, better defined profiles than the soils on
steeper slopes. Relief can also affect the depth of soils.
Geologic erosion removes soil material almost as fast
as it forms from some soils having slopes of more than
15 percent. As a result, most of the strongly sloping to
steep soils have a thinner solum. Examples are Pacolet
and Wilkes soils, which are not as deep nor so well
developed as the less sloping soils.
Relief can also affect drainage. A high water table,
for example, generally is related to nearly level relief.
The Helena and Worsham soils on uplands are
imperfectly drained because they are nearly level and
internal movement of water is slow.
Soils at the lower elevations are less sloping and
receive runoff from adjacent high areas. This water
accumulates in the nearly level to depressional areas.
Examples are the somewhat poorly drained Chewacla
soils on the flood plains and Worsham soils in upland
depressions.
Time
The length of time that soil material has been
exposed to the soil -forming processes accounts for
some differences in soils. The formation of a well
defined soil profile, however, depends on other factors.
Less time is required for a soil profile to develop in a
coarse -textured material than in material that is similar,
but finer -textured, even though the environment is the
same for both. Less time is required for a soil profile to
develop in a warm, humid area where the plant cover is
dense, as in Gaston County, than in a cold, dry area
where the plant cover is sparse.
Soils vary considerably in age, and the length of time
that a soil has been developing is reflected in the
profile. Old soils generally have better defined horizons
than young soils. In Gaston County, the effects of time
as a soil -forming factor is more apparent in the older
soils, such as Cecil and Appling soils, which are in the
broader parts of the uplands. These soils have more
distinct horizons than Chewacla soils, which formed in
alluvium.
Chewacla and Congaree soils have not been in place
long enough to have developed distinct horizons and
are considered young soils. Other soils in the county
are considered young because of their topographic
position. Wilkes soils, for example, are not well
developed because they are on steep landscapes and
geologic erosion has kept pace with soil development.
The rate of geologic erosion also partly accounts for the
shallowness over bedrock.
Geology and Mineral Resources
P.A. Carpenter III, geologist, North Carolina Department of Natural
Resources and Community Development, helped prepare this section.
Gaston County is on the boundary between three
geologic belts —the Inner Piedmont belt, the Kings
Mountain belt, and the Charlotte belt. Rocks in these
belts include felsic (light-colored), intermediate, and

Gaston County, North Carolina
I&A
mafic (dark -colored) igneous intrusive rocks and
metamorphosed intrusive, volcanic, and sedimentary
rocks. The metamorphic rocks have been altered by
intense heat and pressure to form gneisses, schists,
and phyllites. Most of the rocks are deeply weathered,
leaving decomposed rocks and thick soil profiles at the
land surface. Some rock types are more resistant to
weathering than others and form the higher elevations,
such as Crowders Mountain, Kings Mountain Pinnacle,
and Pasour Mountain (12). A variety of rocks and
minerals have been mined and quarried in Gaston
County.
The most important mineral resource in the county is
lithium, which is mined from tin- and lithium -bearing
pegmatites (coarse -grained granitic rocks). The
pegmatites occur in what is referred to as the "Tin-
spodumene belt," a zone of rocks along the Inner
Piedmont -Kings Mountain belt boundary. This belt
contains the western world's largest lithium reserves. A
lithium mine near Bessemer City produces by-product
feldspar and scrap mica in addition to lithium. Lithium is
used principally by the aluminum, glass, and ceramic
industries, in lithium greases, and in storage batteries.
Feldspar is used in the glass and ceramic industries,
and scrap mica is used in roofing, paints, rubber, joint
cement, and as a filler in structural clay products. Other
mines in the county quarry sand and crushed stone for
use in the construction industry.
Other minerals which have been of interest in the
area but are not currently mined include barite, gold,
iron, kyanite, and pyrite. Barite, a barium sulphate used
in well -drilling muds and chemicals, was prospected
and mined at four sites in southwestern Gaston County.
The barite occurs in veins enclosed by sericite schist.
Gold was mined and prospected at over twenty sites,
the most productive of which was the Kings Mountain
mine. This mine operated intermittently from about 1820
until 1895, producing between three quarters and one
million dollars in gold.
Iron was mined in the Kings Mountain belt prior to
the Revolutionary War, and these deposits made a
major contribution to the Confederacy during the Civil
War. Bessemer City was one of the main centers of the
iron industry with major production from the Ormond
Mine one mile west of Bessemer City. By the late
1890's the iron industry had ended, primarily because
of the depletion of the shallow ores and because of
competition from the Lake Superior deposits.
Kyanite-bearing quartzites occur on the Pinnacle and
Crowders Mountain in southwestern Gaston County.
These deposits contain significant amounts of kyanite,
an aluminum silicate used in high -temperature
ceramics, but have not been mined. These deposits
may never be mined because of their location on the
two most prominent topographic features in the area.
Pyrite, an iron sulphide, was first mined on Pasour
Mountain during the Civil War and again from 1886 until
1902. The deposits consist of pyrite veins in sericite
phyllite, and they were mined for their sulphur content
(8, 12,20).

79
References
(1) American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials. 1982. Standard
specifications for highway materials and methods
of sampling and testing. Ed. 13, 2 vol., illus.
(2) American Society for Testing and Materials. 1986
Standard test method for classification of soils for
engineering purposes. ASTM Stand. D 2487.
(3) Beck, Donald E. 1962. Yellow -poplar site index
curves. U.S. Dep. Agric., Forest Serv., Southeast
Forest Exp. Stn. Res. Note 180, 2 pp., illus.
(4) Briscoe, C.B., and M.D. Ferrill. 1958. Height
growth of American sycamore in southeastern
Louisiana. La. State Univ, Agric. Exp. Sta. Res
Rel., LSU Forest. Note 19.
(5) Broadfoot, Walter M., and R.M. Krinard. 1959.
Guide for evaluating sweetgum sites. U.S. Dep.
Agric, Forest Serv., South. Forest Exp. Stn.
Occas. Pap. 176, 8 pp., illus.
(6) Broadfoot, Walter M. 1960. Field guide for
evaluating cottonwood sites. U.S. Dep. Agric.,
Forest Serv., South. Forest Exp. Stn. Occas. Pap
178, 6 pp., illus.
(7) Broadfoot, Walter M. 1963. Guide for evaluating
water oak sites. U.S, Dep. Agric., Forest Serv.,
South. Forest Exp. Stn. Res. Pap. SO-1, 8 pp.,
illus.
(8) Broadhurst, D.D. 1956. Lithium resources of
North Carolina. N.C. Div. Miner. Resour. Inf.
Circu. 15, pp. 30-33.
(9) Buol, W.W., F.D. Hole, and R.J. McCracken.
1980. Soil genesis and classification. Ed. 2, Iowa
State Univ. 404 pp., illus.
(10) Coile, T.S., and F.X. Schumacher. 1953. Site
index of young stands of loblolly and shortleaf
pines in the Piedmont Plateau Region. J. For. 51:
432-435, illus,
(11) Cope, R.F., and M.W. Wellman. 1961. The
County of Gaston: Two centuries of a North
Carolina region. Gaston Cty. Hist. Soc., 274 pp.,
illus.
(12) Horton, J.W., Jr., and J.R. Butler. 1977. Guide to
the geology of the Kings Mountain Belt in the
Kings Mountain Area, North Carolina and South
Carolina. In Field guides for the Geological
Society of America, Southeast. Sect. meeting,
Winston-Salem, N,C. pp. 76-149.
(13) Jones, G.M. 1980, Quality of life, long range
program and work plan for Gaston Soil and Water
Conservation District, 1980-1985. Gaston Soil and
Water Conser. Dis., 72 pp., illus.
(14) LeGrande, H.E., and J.J. Munborf. 1952. Geology
and ground water in the Charlotte Area, North
Carolina. U,S. Dep. Inter, Bull. 63, pp. 47-50,
illus.
(15) Little, Elbert L., Jr. 1979. Checklist of United
States trees (native and naturalized). U.S. Dep.
Agric., Forest Serv., Agric. Handb, 541, 375 pp.,
illus.
(16) Nelson, T.C., J.L. Clutter, and L.E. Chaiken.
1961. Yield of Virginia pine. U.S. Dep. Agric,
Forest Serv., Southeast. Forest Exp. Stn. Pap.
124, 11 pp.
(17) Olson, D.J. 1959. Site index curves for upland
oak in the southeast. U.S. Dep. Agric., Forest
Serv., Southeast. Forest Exp. Stn. Res. Note 125,
2 pp.

:m
(18) Radford, Albert E., H.E. Ahles, and C.R. Bell
1983, Manual of the vascular flora of the
Carolinas. 9th printing. Univ. N.C., 1,183 pp.,
illus.
(19) Society of American Foresters. 1980. Forest
cover types of United States and Canada. Rep
Comm. Forest Types, 148 pp.
(20) Stuckey, J.D. 1965. North Carolina: Its geology
and mineral resources. N.C. Dep. Conserv. and
Develop., pp. 310-319.
(21) United States Department of Agriculture. 1951
(Being revised). Soil survey manual. U.S. Dep
Agric. Handb. 18, 503 pp., illus. (Supplements
replacing pp. 173-188 issued May 1962.)
(22) United States Department of Agriculture. 1961
Land capability classification. U.S. Dep. Agric.
Handb. 210, 21 pp.
(23) United States Department of Agriculture. 1971.
Site index tables for red maple. Soil Conserv.
Serv., Tech. Note Wood-UD-10.
(24) United States Department of Agriculture. 1975.
Soil taxonomy: A basic system of soil
classification for making and interpreting soil
surveys. Soil Conserv. Serv., U.S. Dep. Agric.
Handb. 436, 754 pp., illus.
(25) United States Department of Agriculture. 1976.,
Volume, yield, and stand tables for second growth
southern pines. Forest Serv., Misc. Publ. 50, 302
pp., illus.
(26) United States Department of Agriculture. 1984.
Procedures for collecting soil samples and
methods of analysis for soil survey. Soil Surv.
Invest. Rep. 1, 68 pp., illus.
(27) United States Department of Agriculture. 1985.
Forest statistics for the Piedmont of North
Carolina, 1984. Forest Serv. Southeast. Exp. Stn.
Resour. Bull. 76, 46 pp., illus.

H
Glossary
Aeration, soil. The exchange of air in soil with air from
the atmosphere. The air in a well aerated soil is
similar to that in the atmosphere; the air in a
poorly aerated soil is considerably higher in carbon
dioxide and lower in oxygen.
Aggregate, soil. Many fine particles held in a single
mass or cluster. Natural soil aggregates, such as
granules, blocks, or prisms, are called peds. Clods
are aggregates produced by tillage or logging.
Alluvium. Material, such as sand, silt, or clay,
deposited on land by streams.
Area reclaim (in tables). An area difficult to reclaim
after the removal of soil for construction and other
uses. Revegetation and erosion control are
extremely difficult.
Association, soil. A group of soils geographically
associated in a characteristic repeating pattern
and defined and delineated as a single map unit.
Available water capacity (available moisture
capacity). The capacity of soils to hold water
available for use by most plants. It is commonly
defined as the difference between the amount of
soil water at field moisture capacity and the
amount at wilting point. It is commonly expressed
as inches of water per inch of soil. The capacity, in
inches, in a 60-inch profile or to a limiting layer is
expressed as —
Very low ................ . ............. 0 to 3
Low.................................... 3 to 6
Moderate ............................... 6 to 9
High ................................... 9 to 12
Very high ........................ more than 12
Base saturation. The degree to which material having
cation -exchange properties is saturated with
exchangeable bases (sum of Ca, Mg, Na, K),
expressed as a percentage of the total cation -
exchange capacity.
Bedrock. The solid rock that underlies the soil and
other unconsolidated material or that is exposed at
the surface.
Boulders. Rock fragments larger than 2 feet (60
centimeters) in diameter.
Clay. As a soil separate, the mineral soil particles less
than 0.002 millimeter in diameter. As a soil textural
class, soil material that is 40 percent or more clay,
less than 45 percent sand, and less than 40
percent silt.
Clay film. A thin coating of oriented clay on the surface
of a soil aggregate or lining pores or root
channels, i.e., clay coating, clay skin.
Clayey (general: soil textural class). A general textural
term that includes sandy clay, silty clay, and clay.
Clayey (taxonomic: family level criteria). A specific
textural name referring to fine earth (particles less
than 2mm in size) within the control section,
containing 35 percent or more clay by weight; rock
fragments are less than 35 percent, by volume
(Soil Taxonomy, p. 385).
Coarse fragments. If round, mineral or rock particles 2
millimeters to 25 centimeters (10 inches) in
diameter; if flat, mineral or rock particles
(flagstone) 15 to 38 centimeters (6 to 15 inches)
long.
Complex, soil. A map unit of two or more kinds of soil
in such an intricate pattern or so small in area that
it is not practical to map them separately at the
selected scale of mapping. The pattern and
proportion of the soils are somewhat similar in all
areas.
Concretions. Grains, pellets, or nodules of various
sizes, shapes, and colors consisting of
concentrated compounds or cemented soil grains.
The composition of most concretions is unlike that
of the surrounding soil. Calcium carbonate and
iron oxide are common compounds in concretions.
Conservation tillage. A tillage system that does not
invert the soil and that leaves a protective amount
of crop residue on the surface throughout the year.
Consistence, soil. The `eel of the soil and the ease
with which a lump can be crushed by the fingers.
Terms commonly used to describe consistence
are—

82
Soil Survey
Loose. —Noncoherent when dry or moist; does not
saturation during soil formation, as opposed to
hold together in a mass.
altered drainage, which is commonly the result of
Friable. —When moist, crushes easily under gentle
artificial drainage or irrigation but may be caused
pressure between thumb and forefinger and can
by the sudden deepening of channels or the
be pressed together into a lump.
blocking of drainage outlets. Seven classes of
Firm. —When moist, crushes under moderate
natural soil drainage are recognized:
pressure between thumb and forefinger, but
Excessively drained. —Water is removed from the
resistance is distinctly noticeable.
soil very rapidly. Excessively drained soils are
Plastic. —When wet, readily deformed by moderate
commonly very coarse textured, rocky, or shallow.
pressure but can be pressed into a lump; will form
Some are steep. All are free of the mottling related
a "wire'' when rolled between thumb and
to wetness.
forefinger.
Somewhat excessively drained. —Water is removed
Sticky. —When wet, adheres to other material and
from the soil rapidly. Many somewhat excessively
tends to stretch somewhat and pull apart rather
drained soils are sandy and rapidly pervious.
than to pull free from other material.
Some are shallow. Some are so steep that much
Hard. —When dry, moderately resistant to
of the water they receive is lost as runoff. All are
pressure; can be broken with difficulty between
free of the mottling related to wetness.
thumb and forefinger.
Well drained. —Water is removed from the soil
Soft. —When dry, breaks into powder or individual
readily, but not rapidly. It is available to plants
grains under very slight pressure.
throughout most of the growing season, and
Cemented. —Hard; little affected by moistening.
wetness does not inhibit growth of roots for
Contour striperopping. Growing crops in strips that
significant periods during most growing seasons,
follow the contour. Strips of grass or close -growing
Well drained soils are commonly medium textured.
crops are alternated with strips of clean -tilled
They are mainly free of mottling.
crops or summer fallow.
Moderately well drained. —Water is removed from
Control section. The part of the soil on which
the soil somewhat slowly during some periods.
classification is based. The thickness varies
Moderately well drained soils are wet for only a
among different kinds of soil, but for many it is that
short time during the growing season, but
part of the soil profile between depths of 10 inches
periodically they are wet long enough that most
and 40 or 80 inches.
mesophytic crops are affected. They commonly
Corrosive. High risk of corrosion to uncoated steel or
have a slowly pervious layer within or directly
deterioration of concrete.
below the solum.
Cover crop. A close -growing crop grown primarily to
Somewhat poorly drained. —Water is removed
improve and protect the soil between periods of
slowly enough that the soil is wet for significant
regular crop production, or a crop grown between
periods during the growing season. Wetness
trees and vines in orchards and vineyards.
markedly restricts the growth of mesophytic crops
Depth class. Refers to the depth to a root restricting
unless artificial drainage is provided. Somewhat
layer. Unless otherwise stated, it is understood to
poorly drained soils commonly have a slowly
be consolidated bedrock. The depth classes in this
pervious layer, a high water table, additional water
county are as follows:
from seepage, or a combination of these.
Very shallow ................ less than 10 inches
Poorly drained. —Water is removed so slowly that
shallow ........................ 10 to 20 inches
the soil is saturated periodically during the growing
Moderately deep ................ 20 to 40 inches
season or remains wet for long periods. Free
Deep . ..................... 40 to 60 inches
water is commonly at or near the surface for long
Very deep ................. more than 60 inches
enough during the growing season that most
Depth to rock (in tables). Bedrock is too near the
mesophytic crops cannot be grown unless the soil
surface for the specified use.
is artificially drained. The soil is not continuously
Diversion (or diversion terrace). A ridge of earth,
saturated in layers directly below plow depth. Poor
generally a terrace, built to protect downslope
drainage results from a high water table, a slowly
areas by diverting runoff from its natural course.
pervious layer within the profile, seepage, or a
Drainage class (natural). Refers to the frequency and
combination of these.
duration of periods of saturation or partial
Very poorly drained. —Water is removed from the

Gaston County, North Carolina
83
soil so slowly that free water remains at or on the
surface during most of the growing season. Unless
the soil is artificially drained, most mesophytic
crops cannot be grown. Very poorly drained soils
are commonly level or depressed and are
frequently ponded. Yet, where rainfall is high, they
can have moderate or high slope gradients.
Drainage, surface. Runoff, or surface flow of water,
from an area.
Erosion. The wearing away of the land surface by
water, wind, ice, or other geologic agents and by
such processes as gravitational creep.
Erosion (geologic) —Erosion caused by geologic
processes acting over long geologic periods and
resulting in the wearing away of mountains and
the building up of such landscape features as
flood plains and coastal plains. Synonym: natural
erosion.
Erosion classes. Classes that estimate past erosion
based on the following. -
Class 1.—Soils that have lost some of the original
A horizon but on the average less than 25 percent
of the original A horizon or of the uppermost 8
inches (if the original A horizon was less than 8
inches thick). Throughout most of the area the
thickness of the surface layer is within the normal
range of variability of the uneroded soil. (Soil map
units having class 1 erosion typically are not
designated in the map unit description.
Class 2.—Soils that have lost on the average 25 to
75 percent of the original A horizon or the
uppermost 8 inches (if the original A horizon was
less than 8 inches thick). Throughout most
cultivated areas of class 2 erosion, the surface
layer consists of a mixture of the original A horizon
and material from below. Some areas may have
intricate patterns ranging from uneroded spots to
spots where all of the original A horizon has been
removed.
Class 3.—Soils that have lost on the average 75
percent or more of the original A horizon or the
uppermost 8 inches (if the original A horizon was
less than 8 inches thick). In most areas of class 3
erosion, material below the original A horizon is
exposed at the surface in cultivated areas. The
plow layer consists entirely or largely of material
that was below the original A horizon.
Class 4.—Soils that have lost all of the A horizon
or the uppermost 8 inches (if the original A horizon
was less than 8 inches thick) plus some or all of
the deeper horizons throughout most of the area.
The original soil can be indentified only in spots.
Some areas may be smooth, but most have an
intricate pattern of gullies.
Erosion hazard. Terms describing the potential for
future erosion, inherent in the soil itself, if
inadequately protected. The following definitions
are based on estimated annual soil loss in metric
tons per acre (values determined by the Universal
Soil Loss Equation assuming bare soil conditions
and using rainfall and climate factors for North
Carolina):
0 t/ac.................................... none
Less than 1 t/ac.......................... slight
1 to 5 t/ac ........................... moderate
5 to 10 t/ac............................. severe
More than 10 t/ac .................. very severe
Excess fines (in tables). Excess silt and clay are in the
soil. The soil is not a source of gravel or sand for
construction purposes.
Felsic. A general term for light color igneous and
metamorphic rocks.
Fill slope. A sloping surface made by excavating soil
material from the road cut. It is generally on the
downhill side of the road.
Flood plain. A nearly level alluvial plain that borders a
stream and is subject to flooding unless artificially
protected.
Forest type. A classification of forest land based on the
species forming the majority of live -tree stocking.
Genesis, soil. The mode of origin of the soil. Refers
especially to the processes or soil -forming factors
responsible for the formation of the solum, or true
soil, from the unconsolidated parent material.
Grassed waterway. A natural or constructed waterway,
typically broad and shallow, seeded to grass as
protection against erosion. Conducts surface water
away from cropland.
Gravel. Rounded or angular fragments of rock up to 3
inches (2 millimeters to 7.5 centimeters) in
diameter. An individual piece is a pebble.
Gravelly soil material. Material that is 15 to 50 percent,
by volume, rounded or angular rock fragments, not
prominently flattened, up to 3 inches (7.5
centimeters) in diameter.
Gully. A miniature valley with steep sides cut by
running water and through which water ordinarily
runs only after rainfall. The distinction between a
gully and a rill is one of depth. A gully generally is
an obstacle to farm machinery and is too deep to
be obliterated by ordinary tillage; a rill is of lesser
depth and can be smoothed over by ordinary
tillage.
Horizon, soil. A layer of soil, approximately parallel to

84
Soil Survey
the surface, having distinct characteristics
produced by soil -forming processes. In the
identification of soil horizons, an upper case letter
represents the major horizons. Numbers or lower
case letters that follow represent subdivisions of
the major horizons. An explanation of the
subdivisions is given in the Soil Survey Manual.
The major horizons of mineral soil are as follows:
O horizon. —An organic layer of fresh and
decaying plant residue at the surface of a mineral
soil.
A horizon. —The mineral horizon at or near the
surface in which an accumulation of humified
organic matter is mixed with the mineral material.
Also, a plowed surface horizon, most of which was
originally part of a B horizon.
E horizon. —The mineral horizon in which the main
feature is loss of silicate clay, iron, aluminum, or
some combination of these.
B horizon. —The mineral horizon below an O, A, or
E horizon. The B horizon is, in part, a layer of
transition from the overlying horizon to the
underlying C horizon. The B horizon also has
distinctive characteristics, such as accumulation of
clay, sesquioxides, humus, or a combination of
these: prismatic or blocky structure; redder or
browner colors than those in the A horizon; or a
combination of these. The combined A and B
horizons are generally called the solum, or true
soil. If a soil does not have a B horizon, the A
horizon alone is the solum.
C horizon. —The mineral horizon or layer,
excluding indurated bedrock, that is little affected
by soil -forming processes and does not have the
properties typical of the A or B horizon. The
material of a C horizon may be either like or unlike
that in which the solum formed. If the material is
known to differ from that in the solum, the Arabic
numeral 2 precedes the letter C.
R layer. —Consolidated rock (unweathered
bedrock) beneath the soil. The rock commonly
underlies a C horizon, but can be directly below an
A or a B horizon.
Hydrologic soil groups. Refers to soils grouped
according to their runoff -producing characteristics.
The chief consideration is the inherent capacity of
soil bare of vegetation to permit infiltration. The
slope and the kind of plant cover are not
considered but are separate factors in predicting
runoff. Soils are assigned to four groups. In group
A are soils having a high infiltration rate when
thoroughly wet and having a low runoff potential.
They are mainly deep, well drained, and sandy or
gravelly. In group D, at the other extreme, are
soils having a very slow infiltration rate and thus a
high runoff potential. They have a claypan or clay
layer at or near the surface, have a permanent
high water table, or are shallow over nearly
impervious bedrock or other material. A soil is
assigned to two hydrologic groups if part of the
acreage is artificially drained and part is
undrained.
Igneous rock. Rock formed by solidification of molten
rock; generally crystalline in nature.
Infiltration. The downward entry of water into the
immediate surface of soil or other material. This
contrasts with percolation, which is movement of
water through soil layers or material.
Intermediate rock. Rock that is transitional between
felsic and mafic rock.
Liquid limit. The moisture content at which the soil
passes from a plastic to a liquid state.
Loam. Soil material that is 7 to 27 percent clay
particles, 28 to 50 percent silt particles, and less
than 52 percent sand particles.
Loamy (general: soil textural class). A general textural
term that includes coarse sandy loam, sandy loam,
fine sandy loam, very fine sandy loam, loam, silt
loam, silt, clay loam, sandy clay loam, and silty
clay loam.
Loamy (taxonomic: family level criteria). A specific
textural name referring to fine earth (particles less
than 2mm in size) within the control section, of
loamy very fine sand or finer that contains less
than 35 percent clay by weight; rock fragments are
less than 35 percent by volume.
Mafic rock. A rock in which ferromagnesian minerals
exceed 50 percent. A general term for dark color
igneous and metamorphic rock.
Minimum tillage. Only the tillage essential to crop
production and prevention of soil damage.
Miscellaneous area. An area that has little or no
natural soil and supports little or no vegetation.
Morphology, soil. The physical makeup of the soil,
including the texture, structure, porosity,
consistence, color, and other physical, mineral,
and biological properties of the various horizons,
and the thickness and arrangement of those
horizons in the soil profile.
Mottling, soil. Irregular spots of different colors that
vary in number and size. Mottling generally
indicates poor aeration and impeded drainage.
Descriptive terms are as follows: abundance —few,
common, and many; size —fine, medium, and

Gaston County. North Carolina
85
coarse; and contrast -faint, distinct, and prominent.
The size measurements are of the diameter along
the greatest dimension. Fine indicates less than 5
millimeters (about 0.2 inch); medium, from 5 to 15
millimeters (about 0.2 to 0.6 inch); and coarse,
more than 15 millimeters (about 0.6 inch).
Neutral soil. A soil having a pH value between 6.6 and
7.3. (See Reaction, soil.)
Nutrient, plant. Any element taken in by a plant
essential to its growth. Plant nutrients are mainly
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium,
magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper,
boron, and zinc obtained from the soil and carbon,
hydrogen, and oxygen obtained from the air and
water.
Organic matter. Plant and animal residue in the soil in
various stages of decomposition.
Parent material. The unconsolidated organic and
mineral material in which soil forms.
Ped. An individual natural soil aggregate, such as a
granule, a prism, or a block.
Pedon. The smallest volume that can be called ''a soil."
A pedon is three dimensional and large enough to
permit study of all horizons. Its area ranges from
about 10 to 100 square feet (1 square meter to 10
square meters), depending on the variability of the
soil.
Percolation. The downward movement of water through
the soil.
Peres slowly (in tables). The slow movement of water
through the soil adversely affects the specified
use.
Permeability. The quality of the soil that enables water
to move through the profile. Permeability is
measured as the number of inches per hour that
water moves through the saturated soil. Terms
describing permeability are:
Very slow ...................
less than 0.06 inch
Slow ...........................
0.06 to 0.2 inch
Moderately slow .................
0.2 to 0.6 inch
Moderate .................
0.6 inch to 2.0 inches
Moderately rapid ...............
2.0 to 6.0 inches
Rapid .........................
6.0 to 20 inches
Very rapid .................
more than 20 inches
Phase, soil. A subdivision of a soil series based on
features that affect its use and management. For
example, slope, stoniness, and thickness.
pH value. A numerical designation of acidity and
alkalinity in soil. (See Reaction, soil.)
Piping (in tables). Subsurface tunnels or pipelike
cavities are formed by water moving through the
soil.
Plasticity index. The numerical difference between the
liquid limit and the plastic limit; the range of
moisture content within which the soil remains
plastic.
Plastic limit. The moisture content at which a soil
changes from semisolid to plastic.
Ponding. Standing water on soils in closed
depressions. Unless the soils are artificially
drained, the water can be removed only by
percolation or evapotranspiration.
Productivity, soil. The capability of a soil for producing
a specified plant or sequence of plants under
specific management.
Profile, soil. A vertical section of the soil extending
through all its horizons and into the parent
material.
Reaction, soil. A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of
a soil expressed in pH values. A soil that tests to
pH 7.0 is described as precisely neutral in reaction
because it is neither acid nor alkaline. The
degrees of acidity or alkalinity, expressed as pH
values, are -
Ultra acid ...... . ........... . .........
below 3.6
Extremely acid .....................
. . 3.6 to 4.5
Very strongly acid ......... . . . ........
4.5 to 5.0
Strongly acid .....................
. . . . 5.1 to 5.5
Medium acid ............... . . ....
. ... 5.6 to 6.0
Slightly acid ..........................
6.1 to 6.5
Neutral ..............................
6.6 to 7.3
Mildly alkaline ..................
. . . ... 7.4 to 7.8
Moderately alkaline . .... . .............
7.9 to 8.4
Strongly alkaline . . . ..................
8.5 to 9.0
Very strongly alkaline ............
9,1 and higher
Relief. The elevations or inequalities of a land surface,
considered collectively.
Residuum (residual soil material). Unconsolidated,
weathered, or partly weathered mineral material
that accumulated as consolidated rock
disintegrated in place.
Rock fragments. Rock or mineral fragments having a
diameter of 2 millimeters or more; for example,
pebbles, cobbles, stones, and boulders.
Rooting depth (in tables). There is a shallow root zone.
The soil is shallow over a layer that greatly
restricts roots.
Runoff. The precipitation discharged into stream
channels from an area. The water that flows off
the surface of the land without sinking into the soil
is called surface runoff. Water that enters the soil
before reaching surface streams is called ground-
water runoff or seepage flow from ground water.
Runoff class (surface). Refers to the rate at which
water flows away from the soil over the surface

:.
Soil Survey
without infiltrating. Six classes of rate of runoff are
recognized:
Ponded.—Little of the precipitation and run-on
escapes as runoff, and free water stands on the
surface for significant periods. The amount of
water that must be removed from ponded areas by
movement through the soil, by plants, or by
evaporation is usually greater than the total
rainfall. Ponding normally occurs on level to nearly
level soils in depressions, and water depth may
fluctuate greatly.
Very slow. —Surface water flows away slowly, and
free water stands on the surface for long periods
or immediately enters the soil. Most of the water
passes through the soil, is used by plants, or
evaporates. The soils are commonly level or
nearly level or are very open and porous.
Slow. —Surface water flows away slowly enough
that free water stands on the surface for moderate
periods or enters the soil rapidly. Most of the water
passes through the soil, is used by plants, or
evaporates. The soils are nearly level or very
gently sloping, or they are steeper but absorb
precipitation very rapidly.
Medium. —Surface water flows away fast enough
that free water stands on the surface for only short
periods. Part of the precipitation enters the soil
and is used by plants, is lost by evaporation, or
moves into underground channels. The soils are
nearly level or gently sloping and absorb
precipitation at a moderate rate, or they are
steeper but absorb water rapidly.
Rapid. —Surface water flows away fast enough that
the period of concentration is brief and free water
does not stand on the surface. Only a small part of
the water enters the soil. The soils are mainly
moderately steep or steep and have moderate to
slow rates of absorption.
Very rapid. —Surface water flows away so fast that
the period of concentration is very brief and free
water does not stand on the surface. Only a small
part of the water enters the soil. The soils are
mainly steep or very steep and absorb
precipitation slowly.
Sand. As a soil separate, individual rock or mineral
fragments from 0.05 millimeter to 2.0 millimeters in
diameter. Most sand grains consist of quartz. As a
soil textural class, a soil that is 85 percent or more
sand and not more than 10 percent clay.
Sandy (general: soil textural class). A general textural
term that includes coarse sand, sand, fine sand,
very fine sand, loamy coarse sand, loamy sand,
loamy fine sand, and loamy very fine sand (Soil
Taxonomy, p. 470).
Sandy (taxonomic: family level criteria). A specific
textural name referring to fine earth (particles less
than 2mm in size) within the control section, of
sand or loamy sand that contains less than 50
percent very fine sand by weight; rock fragments
are less than 35 percent by volume (Soil
Taxonomy, p. 385).
Saprolite (soil science). Unconsolidated, residual
material underlying the soil and grading to hard
bedrock below.
Seasonal high water table. The highest level of a
saturated zone (the apparent or perched water
table) over a continuous period of more than 2
weeks in most years, but not a permanent water
table.
Seepage (in tables). The movement of water through
the soil adversely affects the specified use.
Series, soil. A group of soils that have profiles that are
almost alike, except for differences in texture of
the surface layer or of the underlying material. All
the soils of a series have horizons that are similar
in composition, thickness, and arrangement.
Shrink -swell. The shrinking of soil when dry and the
swelling when wet. Shrinking and swelling can
damage roads, dams, building foundations, and
other structures. It can also damage plant roots.
Silt. As a soil separate, individual mineral particles that
range in diameter from the upper limit of clay
(0.002 millimeter) to the lower limit of very fine
sand (0.05 millimeter). As a soil textural class, soil
that is 80 percent or more silt and less than 12
percent clay.
Site index. A designation of the quality of a forest site
based on the height of the dominant stand at an
arbitrarily chosen age. For example, if the average
height attained by dominant and codominant trees
in a fully stocked stand at the age of 50 years is
75 feet, the site index is 75 feet.
Slope. The inclination of the land surface from the
horizontal. Percentage of slope is the vertical
distance divided by horizontal distance, then
multiplied by 100. Thus, a slope of 20 percent is a
drop of 20 feet in 100 feet of horizontal distance.
Slope (in tables). Slope is great enough that special
practices are required to ensure satisfactory
performance of the soil for a specific use.
Slow refill (in tables). The slow filling of ponds,
resulting from restricted permeability in the soil.
Small stones (in tables). Rock fragments less than 3
inches (7.5 centimeters) in diameter. Small stones

Gaston County, North Carolina
87
adversely affect the specified use of the soil.
Soil. A natural, three-dimensional body at the earth's
surface. It is capable of supporting plants and has
properties resulting from the integrated effect of
climate and living matter acting on earthy parent
material, as conditioned by relief over periods of
time.
Soil separates. Mineral particles less than 2 millimeters
in equivalent diameter and ranging between
specified size limits. The names and sizes, in
millimeters, of separates recognized in the United
States are as follows:
Very coarse sand ....................
2.0 to 1.0
Coarse sand .........................
1.0 to 0.5
Medium sand .......................
0.5 to 0.25
Fine sand .........................
0.25 to 0.10
Very fine sand .....................
0.10 to 0.05
Silt ..............................
0.05 to 0.002
Clay ...........................
less than 0.002
Solum. The upper part of a soil profile, above the C
horizon, in which the processes of soil formation
are active. The solum in soil consists of the A, E,
and B horizons. Generally, the characteristics of
the material in these horizons are unlike those of
the underlying material. The living roots and plant
and animal activities are largely confined to the
solum.
Stones. Rock fragments 10 to 24 inches (25 to 60
centimeters) in diameter.
Stony. Refers to a soil containing stones in numbers
that interfere with or prevent tillage.
Striperopping. Growing crops in a systematic
arrangement of strips or bands that provide
vegetative barriers to wind and water erosion.
Structure, soil. The arrangement of primary soil
particles into compound particles or aggregates.
The principal forms of soil structure are —platy
(laminated), prismatic (vertical axis of aggregates
longer than horizontal), columnar (prisms with
rounded tops), blocky (angular or subangular), and
granular. Structureless soils are either single
grained (each grain by itself, as in dune sand) or
massive (the particles adhering without any regular
cleavage, as in many hardpans).
Subsoil. Technically, the B horizon; roughly, the part of
the solum below plow depth.
Subsurface layer. Technically, the E horizon. Generally
refers to a leached horizon lighter in color and
lower in organic matter content than the overlying
surface layer.
Surface layer. The soil ordinarily moved in tillage, or its
equivalent in uncultivated soil, ranging in depth
from 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 centimeters).
Frequently designated as the "plow layer," or the
"Ap horizon."
Taxadjuncts. Soils that cannot be classified in a series
recognized in the classification system. Such soils
are named for a series they strongly resemble and
are designated as taxadjuncts to that series
because they differ in ways too small to be of
consequence in interpreting their use and
behavior.
Terrace. An embankment, or ridge, constructed on the
contour or at a slight angle to the contour across
sloping soils. The terrace intercepts surface runoff,
so that water soaks into the soil or flows slowly to
a prepared outlet.
Texture, soil. The relative proportions of sand, silt, and
clay particles in a mass of soil. The basic textural
classes, in order of increasing proportion of fine
particles, are sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, loam,
silt loam, silt, sandy clay loam, clay loam, silty clay
loam, sandy clay, silty clay, and clay. The sand,
loamy sand, and sandy loam classes may be
further divided by specifying "coarse,'' ''fine," or
"very fine."
Sand. —Soil material that contains 85 percent or
more sand; the percentage of silt plus 11/2 times
the percentage of clay does not exceed 15.
Loamy sand. —Soil material that contains at the
upper limit 85 to 90 percent sand, and the
percentage of silt plus 11/2 times the percentage of
clay is not less than 15; at the lower limit it
contains not less than 70 to 85 percent sand, and
the percentage of silt plus twice the percentage of
clay does not exceed 30.
Sandy loam. —Soil material that contains either 20
percent clay or less and the percentage of silt plus
twice the percentage of clay exceeds 30, and 52
percent or more sand; or less than 7 percent clay,
less than 50 percent silt, and between 43 and 52
percent sand.
Loam. —Soil material that contains 7 to 27 percent
clay, 28 to 50 percent silt, and less than 52
percent sand.
Silt loam. —Soil material that contains 50 percent
or more silt and 12 to 27 percent clay (or) 50 to 80
percent silt and less than 12 percent clay.
Silt. —Soil material that contains 80 percent or
more silt and less than 12 percent clay.
Sandy clay loam. —Soil material that contains 20 to
35 percent clay, less than 28 percent silt, and 45
percent or more sand.
Clay loam. —Soil material that contains 27 to 40

RN
percent clay and 20 to 45 percent sand.
Silty clay loam. —Soil material that contains 27 to
40 percent clay and less than 20 percent sand.
Sandy clay. —Soil material that contains 35 percent
or more clay and 45 percent or more sand.
Silty clay. —Soil material that contains 40 percent
or more clay and 40 percent or more silt.
Clay. —Soil material that contains 40 percent or
more clay, less than 45 percent sand, and less
than 40 percent silt.
Thin layer (in tables). An otherwise suitable soil
material that is too thin for the specified use.
Tilth, soil. The physical condition of the soil as related
to tillage, seedbed preparation, seedling
emergence, and root penetration.
Toe slope. The outermost inclined surface at the base
of a hill; part of a foot slope.
Topsoil. The upper part of the soil, which is the most
favorable material for plant growth. It is ordinarily
rich in organic matter and is used to topdress
roadbanks, lawns, and land affected by mining.
Underlying material. Technically the C horizon; the part
of the soil below the biologically altered A and B
horizons.
Upland (geology). Land at a higher elevation, in
general, than the alluvial plain or stream terrace;
land above the lowlands along streams.
Variant, soil. A soil having properties sufficiently
different from those of other known soils to justify
a new series name, but occurring in such a limited
geographic area that creation of a new series is
not justified.
Weathering. All physical and chemical changes
produced by atmospheric agents in rocks or other
deposits at or near the earth's surface. These
changes result in disintegration and decomposition
of the material,
Wetness. A general term applied to soils that hold
water at or near the surface long enough to be a
common management problem.

Tables

.1
Soil Survey
TABLE 1.--TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION
[Data recorded in the period 1951-81 at Gastonia, North Carolina]
Temperature Precipitation
I I
1 I
2 years in ; 12 years in 1 ,
Month ;Average;Average; 10 will have -- ; Average ; ; will have-- ; Average ;Average
daily I daily ; Maximum 1 Minimum ;number of;Averagel I ;number ofisnowfall
;maximum;minimum;temperature!temperature; growing ; ; less ; more ;days with;
! higher lower ! degree ; ;than--;than--;0.10 inch;
than-- than-- ; days * i ' or more
o I
F ,
O 1
F ,
0 1
F ,
O
F
I 1
, Units ,
In
1 1
, In ,
1
In ,
I
,
In
-
I
January----;
1
I
52.1 ;
I
I
30.9 ;
1
I
73 ;
I
8
I 1
; 41 ;
I I
4.05
I I
; 2.31.;
1 1
1
5.581
1
I
7 ;
I
1.2
I
February---;
I
55.7 ;
I
32.2 i
1
76 ;
12.
I 1
; 43 ;
4.08
I I
i 2.011
1
5.871
I
7 ;
.6
I
I
I
1
I I
I I
I I
I I
1
I
1
1
I
March------;
I
63.9 ;
I
39.1 ;
I
85 ;
19
; 138 1
5.12
1 3.231
6.821
8 ;
.7
I
I
I
I
1 I
I 1
I I
1
1
I
1
1
April------;
I
I
74.5 ;
I
I
48.1 ;
I
I
91 ;
I
31
1 I
; 339
1 1
3.49
; 1.71:
I 1
5.021
1
6 ;
I
.0
I
May --------I
1
I
81.0 i
1
1
56.4 ;
I
I
94 i
I
36
I I
i 580 1
I 1
4.07
I I
1 2.131
I 1
I
5.76;
1
I
7 ;
I
.0
I
June-------i
I
1
86.8 ;
I
I
63.8
I
I
99 i
I
49
I I
759 '
I I
4.12
1 I
; 2.071
I I
1
5.901
r
1
7 ;
I
.0
July-------i
89.7 I
67.8 i
100 i
57
i 893 i
4.1.7
1 2.051
6.001
8 i
.0
I
I
I
August-----;
I
88.8
1
67.1 i
I
99 i
55
I I
; 868 ;
4.34
1 2.24:
6.161
7 ;
.0
I
I
1
I
1 I
I 1
I
1
I
1
I
I
September --I
I
I
83.2
1
I
61.0 ;
1
I
95 ;
I
44
I I
; 663 ;
I I
3.99
; 1.48:
I I
6.081
I
5 ;
1
.0
October ---- 1
I
I
73.2
I
I
48.8 ;
I
I
88
i
29
I 1
; 346 i
I I
2.87
I
1, .85:
I I
1
4.521
I
I
5
I
0
I
November --- i
I
63.3
I
39.2 ;
I
82 ;
18
I I
; 109 ;
2.80
I I
; 1.35;
I
4.051
I
5 ;
.0
I
1
I
I
I I
I
I I
I
I
I
I
December---;
I
I
1
54.3 ;
I
I
32.7
I
I
I
74 ;
I
I
12
; 30 ;
I I
1 I
3.89
; 1.951
1 1
1 I
5.57:
I
I
7 ;
I
I
.1
1
I
Average--;
I
I
I
72.2 '
I
1
I
48.9 '
I
I
1
--- ;
I
---
1 I
I I
; ---
I I
---
1 I
I I
---'
I I
I
I
---' ---
I
I
1
;
I
---
I
Extreme --I
I
--- ;
1
--- ;
I
100 i
I
5
I ---
I 1
---
I I
i ---;
I I
---; ---
1
1
---
I
Total----i
I
--- i
1
--- i
I
--' i
---
I I
i 4,809 ;
46.99
I I
i 41.39:
I
52.371
I
79 1
2.6
* A growing degree day is a unit of heat available for plant growth. It can be calculated by
adding the maximum and minimum daily temperatures, dividing the sum by 2, and subtracting the
temperature below which growth is minimal for the principal crops in the area (50 degrees F).

Gaston County, North Carolina
91
TABLE 2.--FREEZE DATES IN SPRING AND FALL
[Data recorded in the period 1951-81 at Gastonia, North
Carolina]
Probability
Last freezing
temperature in
spring:
1 year in 10
later than--
2 years .in 10
later than--
5 years in 10
later than --
Temperature
I
1
24 OF ; 28 °F ; 32 OF
or lower ; or lower ; or lower
I 1
� I �
I I I
� � I
I 1
I I
I
I I
I 1
I I
I I
Mar. 28 ; Apr.
I I
i I
Mar. 19 ; Mar.
Mar. 2 ; Mar
First freezing
temperature in
fall:
1 year in 10
earlier than-- ; Nov. 9 ! Oct.
2 years in 10
earlier than-- ; Nov. 14 ; Oct.
I I
5 years in 10
earlier than-- 1 Nov. 24 ; Nov.
I
I
I
I
i
i
5 ; Apr. 22
I
I
I
30 i Apr. 16
18 ; Apr. 5
I
1
I
I
I
i
1
i
26 ! Oct. 14
31 1 Oct. 20
1
I
1
10 1 Oct. 31
TABLE 3.--GROWING SEASON
[Data recorded in the period 1951-81 at
Gastonia, North Carolina]
Daily minimum temperature
during growing season
i
Probability ; Higher , Higher , Higher
than ; than ; than
240 F i 280 F { 320 F
I �
Days , Days , Days
I I I
1 1
9 years in 10 ; 235 i 211 ; 182
1 , I
8 years in 10 ; 246 ; 219 ; 191.
5 years in 10 ; 267 ; 236 ; 208
, I I
2 years in 10 ; 287 ; 253 ; 226
I I
1 year in 10 i 298 262 ; 235
I I I

Soil Survey
TABLE 4.--ACREAGE AND PROPORTIONATE FY TENT OF THE SOILS
Map
; Soil name ;
Acres
;Percent
symbol'
AmB
;Alamance Variant gravel]} loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes------------------------------'
799
; 0.3
AmD
;Alamance Variant gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes-----------------------------i
505
; 0.2
ApB
;Appling sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes------------------------------------------
9,018
3.9
CeB2
;Cecil sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, eroded-------------------------------i
32,449
; 14.2
CeD2
;Cecil sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded------------------------------;
8,938
; 3.9
CfB
;Cecil -Urban land complex, 2 to 8 percent slopes------------------------------------i
2.0,525
; 9.0
CfD
;Cecil -Urban land complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes-----------------------------------;
3,694
; 1.6
CH
;Chewacla loam, frequently flooded---------------------------------------------------
14,755
; 6.5
Co
;Congaree loam, occasionally£looded-------------------------------------------------
3,449
; 1.5
GaB2
;Gaston sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, eroded------------------------------i
18,321
; 8.0
GaD2
iGaston sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded-----------------------------i
8,316
; 3.6
GaE
;Gaston loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes-----------------------------------------------i
2,377
; 1.0
HeB
;Helena sandy loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes-------------------------------------------i
2,422
1.1
HuB
;Helena -Urban land complex, 1 to 6 percent slopes------------------------------------
568
; 0.3
LgB
Migrum silt loam, 1 to 6 percent slopes--------------------------------------------i
283
; 0.1
MaB2
;Madison sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, eroded-----------------------------
9,071
; 4.0
MaD2
;Madison sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded----------------------------i
6,251
; 2.7
MaE
;Madison sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes----------------------------------------
3,859
; 1.7
PaD2
;Pacolet sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded ---------------------------- 1
6,395
; 2.8
PaE
;Pacolet sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes----------------------------------------i
1.3,525
; 5.9
PaF
;Pacolet sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes ----------------------------------------I
1,153
i 0.5
Pt!Pits
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------;
222
I 0.1
Ro
;Rock outcrop--------------i
214
; 0.1
TaB
;Tatum gravelly loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes-----------------------------------------i
13,620
; 6.0
TaD
;Tatum gravelly loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes----------------------------------------i
10,996
; 4.8
TaE
;Tatum gravelly loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes---------------------------------------
9,071
; 4.0
Ud
iUdorthents, loamy------------------------------------------------------------------;
2,267
1.0
Ur;Urban
i
land-------------------------------------------------------------------------�
4,149
i
i 1.8
UwF
;Uwharrie stony loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very bouldery------------------------,
1,969
, 0.9
VaB
;Vance sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes--------------------------------------------i
2,150
; 0.9
VaD
;Vance sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes-------------------------------------------i
834
; 0.4
WeD
;Wedowee sandy loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes-----------------------------------------
4,007
; 1.8
WkD
;Wilkes loam, 6 to 15 percent slopes------------------------------------------------i
1,887
; 0.8
WkF
;Wilkes loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes-----------------------------------------------i
3,992
; 1.7
WnB
;Winnsboro loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes ------------------------------------------------
2,519
; 1.1
WnD
;Winnsboro loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes---------------------------------------------i
921
0.4
WoA
;Worsham loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes------------------------------------------------i
1,325
; 0.6
--------------------------
;Water areas less than 40 acres---------------------- -----i
ii-----------i-------
1,850
, 0.8
Total-------------------------------------------------------------------------
228,666
i 100.0

Gaston County, North Carolina 93
TABLE 5.--SOIL ADAPTATION BY VEGETABLE AND FRUIT CROPS
[The number I means well adapted with above average yields; 2. means adapted with average
yields; and 3 means poorly adapted or not adapted with very low yields. Latest
information and suggestions for growing vegetable and fruit crops are available
from the local Soil Conservation Service office or the North Carolina Cooperative
Extension Service]
I I I I I 1 � I
Map symbol and ; Sweet ;Straw- ;Tomatoes; Potatoes; Green I I Apples
soil name ; corn. ;berries; and ;Irish and; beans ;Cucumbers; and I Grapes
peppers; sweet I I 1 peaches
I I I I I I 1 I
I 1 I I I I I 1
1 I I I I I I I
AmB, AmD-------I 2 I 3 I 2 I 3 i 2 I 3 i 3 I 2
Alamance I I I I I I
Variant I I I I I
I I I I I I I I
I I I I I I I I
ApB------------I 1 I 1 ; 1. I 1 ; 1 I 1 i 1 ; 1
Appling
I I I I 1 I I I
1 I 1 I I I I I
CeB2, CeD2-----i 2 i 2 i 2- i 2 i 2 i 2 i 1 i 2
Cecil I I I I I
I I I 1 I I I I
CH -------------I 1 i 3 i 3 i 2 I 1 i 2 3 i 3
Chewacla
I I I I I 1 I 1
I I I 1 I I I I
I I I I I I I 1
Co -------------I 1 I 3 i 1 i 1 i 1 i 1 i 3 i 3
Congaree
1 I I 1 I I 1 I
I I I 1 1 I I I
GaB2, GaD2
� I I I I I I I I
GaE-----------i 1 i 1 i 2 i 2 2 i 2 I 1 i 1
Gaston
I I I I I I 1 I
I I I 1 I I I 1
HeB------------; 2 ; 2 ; 2 ; 2 I 2 I 2 ; 3 I 2
Helena
I I 1 I I I I I
I I I I I I I I
LgE------------i 2 i 2 I 2 i 2 I 2 i 2 i 3 i 2
Lignum
I I I I i I I I
MaB2, MaD2
� I I I I I I I I
MaE-----------I 2 I 2 2 ; 2 I 2 I 2 I 2 2
Madison
I I I I I I 1 I
PaD2. PaE
� I I I I I I I 1
PaF-----------I 2 i 2 i 2 i 2 i 2 i 2 i 2 I 2
Pacolet
I I I I 1 I I 1
I I 1 I I I I I
TaB, TaD, TaE--I 2 I 3 1 2 I 3 1 2 1 3 1 3 I 2
Tatum
I I I I I 1 1 1
I I I I I I I 1
I I I I I I 1 I
UwF------------I 3 ; 3 I 3 ; 3 I 3 ; 3 I 3 I 3
Uwharrie I I I I I I I
I 1 I I 1 I I I
VaB, VaD-------I 2 I 2 I 2 i 2 i 2 i 2 I 2 i 2
Vance I I I I I I 1 1
I I I I I I I I
I I 1 I I I I I
WeD------------I 2 I 2 I 2 i 2 i 2 I 2 i 2 i 2
Wedowee
1 I I I 1 I I I
1 1 I I I I I 1
1 I I 1 I I 1 I
WkD, WkE-------I 2 2 I 2 1 2 i 2 I 2 I 3 i 2
Wilkes
I I i I I I I I
I I I 1 I 1 I 1
WnB, WnD------- 1 2 i 2 i 2 i 2 i 2 I 2 i 3 2
Winnsboro
I I I I I I 1 1
I 1 1 I I 1 I I
I I I I I I I I
WoA------------I 3 i 3 I 3 i 3 i 3 i 3 i 3 i 3
Worsham 1 I I I

94
Soil Survey
TABLE 6.--LAND CAPABILITY CLASSES AND YIELDS PER ACRE OF CROPS AND PASTURE
jYields are those that can be expected under a high level of management. Absence of a yield indicates that
the soil is not suited to the crop or the crop generally is not grown on the soil)
Map symbol and ; Land
soil name ;capability;
I I
I
Soybeans
I
�
1
Bu I
AmB-------------;
IIe ;
30
Alamance
Variant
AmD-------------;
IVe ;
20
Alamance
Variant
I
I
I
i
ApB-------------i
�
IIe ;
1
35
Appling
1
1
�
I
CeB2------------;
�
IIIe ;
�
30
Cecil i
I
I
I
I
CeD2------------i
IVe ;
20
Cecil
I
I
I
I
CfB-------------i
1
--- i
1
---
Cecil-Urban
land
I
I
I
CfD-------------;
--- ;
--- I
Cecil -Urban
land
I
1
I
CH--------------i
IVw ;
30
Chewacla
I
i
I
I
1
I
Co--------------;
1
IIw ;
i
45
Congaree
I
1
1
1
GaB2------------i
�
IIIe ;
�
35
Gaston
I
t
�
I
I
1
GaD2------------i
IVe ;
25
Gaston
I
t
�
I
1
GaE-------------i
VIe i
---
Gaston
I
I
I
1
HeB-------------;
�
IIe ;
�
30
Helena
1
I
I
,
HuB------------- i
,
--- i
1
---
Helena-Urban
land
I
1
�
LgB-------------;
_IIe ;
35
Lignum
I
i
I
�
I
1
MaB2------------i
IIIe ;
35
Madison
I
I
I
I
MaD2------------;
IVe ;
25
Madison
See footnote at
end of table.
Grass -
Corn
;Corte silage;
I I
Wheat I
I
Oats
;legume hay ;
I I
Pasture
Bu
, Tons
Bu
Su
, Tons
A
85
18 i
I I
45
I
65
i 3.9 i
I I
6.5
65
1 I
; 3.7 ;
1
35 ;
55
I I
; 2.5 ;
6.0
I I
I
I I
1
95
I I
; 17
I
45 ;
80
I
; 4.8 ;
8.0
70
i 15 i
I I
40 i
I
70
i 2.4 i
1 I
6.0
60
I 1
; 12 ;
I 1
1 I
I
35 ;
1
I
60
1 I
; 1.8 ;
I I
1 I
5.0
1 I
I I
i I
1
I
I
I I
I I
I 1
80
i 20 i
30 i
40
i 4.5 i
9.0
I I
I
I I
160
; 30 ;
75 ;
80
; 5.4 ;
10.0
I I
I
1 I
90
i 22 i
I I
45 i
I
65
2.8 i
1 1
8.3
80
I I
; 16 ;
I
35
50
I I
; 2.2 ;
7.6
---
1 I
' --- '
I
--- '
---
I I
' 3.0 ;
8.0
80
; 15 ;
I I
40 ;
I
65
; 3.5 ;
I 1
5.8
I 1
1
1 I
90
i 20 i
1 1
45 i
I
50
i 2.5 i
I I
7.0
70
14 I
45 i
70
i 3.6 i
5.5
55
1 I
i 12
I I
I
40 i
I
50
I I
i 2.7 i
I I
4.5

Gaston County, North Carolina
95
TABLE 6.--LAND CAPABILITY CLASSES AND YIELDS PER ACRE OF CROPS AND PASTURE --Continued
Map symbol and ; Land
soil name ;capability; Soybeans ; Corn
Bu , Bu
I Grass -
;Corn silage; Wheat ; Oats ;legume hay ; Pasture
Tons , Bu Bu , Tons AUM
MaE-------------;
VIe ;
--- ;
--- ;
--- i
--- ;
--- ;
---
; 4.5
Madison
PaD2------------;
IVe ;
20 ;
60 ;
12 ;
35 ;
60 ;
1.8
; 4.5
Pacolet
PaE-------------;
VIe ;
--- ;
--- ;
--- ;
--- ;
--- I
---
; 5.0
Pacolet
PaF-------------;
VIIe---
Pacolet
Pt.
Pits
Ro.
Rock outcrop
TaB-------------;
IIe ;
30
90 ;
18
50 ;
70 ;
3.0
; 8.0
Tatum
TaD-------------;
IIIe ;
30 ;
85 ;
17 ;
45 ;
65 ;
2.5
; 7.5
Tatum
TaE------------ i
IVe ;
--- ;
65 i
13 ;
35 ;
60 ;
2.0
i 7.0
Tatum
Ud.
Udorthents
Ur.
Urban land
UwF-------------i
VIIs---
Uwharrie
VaB-------------;
IIIe ;
35 ;
80 ;
17 ;
45 1
60 ;
4.8
; 8.0
Vance
VaD-------------;
IVe ;
--- ;
70 ;
14 ;
40 ;
55 ;
4.2
; 7.0
Vance
WeD-------------;
IVe ;
--- ;
60 ;
13 ;
35 ;
70 ;
2.5
4.0
Wedowee
WAD-------------;
VIe ;
20 ;
50 i
12 ;
30 ;
--- ;
3.7
; 7.0
Wilkes
WkF-------------i
VIIe i
--- i
--- ;
--- ;
--- ;
--- ;
3.4
! 6.5
Wilkes
WnB-------------I
IIe ;
35 i
85 i
17 ;
45 ;
75 ;
4.8
; 7.0
Winnsboro
WnD-------------;
IVe ;
25 ;
65 ;
13 ;
25 ;
65 ;
4.2
; 6.0
Winnsboro
WoA-------------;
Vw ;
--- ;
70 ;
15 ;
--- ;
--- ;
2.7
; 5.5
Worsham
I
I
* Animal -unit -month: The amount of forage or feed required to feed one animal unit (one cow, one horse, one
mule, five sheep, or five goats) for 30 days.

TABLE 7.--COMMON AND SCIENTIFIC NAMES OF WOODLAND PLANTS OF GASTON COUNTY
Common plant name
Alder
American beech
American holly
American hornbeam (ironwood)
American sycamore
Arrowhead
Autumn olive
Blackberry
Black cherry
Black oak
Blackjack oak
Black locust
Black walnut
Blueberry
Boxelder
Brackenfern
Chestnut oak
Christmas fern
Common greenbrier
Crabapple
Eastern cottonwood
Eastern hophornbeam
Eastern.redbud
Eastern redcedar
Eastern white pine
Flowering dogwood
Green ash
Hawthorn
Hickory
Honeysuckle
Loblolly pine
Scientific plant name
Alnus
Fagus grandifolia
Ilex opaca
Carpinus caroliniana
Platanus occidentalis
Sagittaria
Elaeagnus umbellata
Rubus
Prunus serotina
Quercus velutina
Quercus marilandica
P.obinia pseudoacacia
Juglans nigra
Vaccinium
Acer negundo
Pteridium aquilinum
Quercus prinus
Polystichum acrostichoide
Smilax rotundifolia
Malus
Populus deltoides
Ostrya virginiana
Cercis canadensis
Juniperus virginiana
Pinus strobus
Cornus florida
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Crataegus
Carya
Lonicera
Pinus taeda
Common plant name
Mountain laurel
Muscadine grape
Northern red oak
Poison ivy
Post oak
Red maple
Red mulberry
River birch
Running cedar
Sassafras
Scarlet oak
Sedge
Shortleaf pine
Sourwood
Southern red oak
Sumac
Summer grape
Sweetgum
Virginia creeper
Virginia pine
Water oak
White oak
Willow
Willow oak
Winged elm
Witchhazel
Yellow poplar
Scientific plant name
Kalmia latifolia
Vitis rotundifolia
Quercus rubra
Rhus radicans
Quercus stellata
Acer rubrum
Morus rubra
Betula nigra
Lycopodium clavatum
Sassafras albidum
Quercus coccinea
Carex
Pinus echinata
Oxydendrum arboreum
Quercus falcata
Rhus
Vitis aestivalis
Liquidambar styraciflua
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Pinus virginiana
Quercus nigra
Quercus alba
Salix
Quercus phellos
Ulmus alata
Hamamelis virginiana
Liriodendron tulipifera
0

Gaston County, North Carolina
97
TABLE 8.--WOODLAND MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY
[Only the soils suitable for production of commercial trees are listed. Absence of an entry indicates that
information was not available]
1 Management concerns , Potential productivity ,
Map symbol and !Ordi- ; , Equip -
soil name lnationlErosion ment !Seedling! Common trees ;Site !Produc-! Trees to plant
lsymbollhazard ! limita-;mortal- ! l.indexltivity !
! ! ! tion ! ity ! ! !class* !
1
1
AmB, AmD----------- !
Alamance Variant !
1
!
1
ApB----------------!
Appling
I
1
I
I
1
1
CeB2, CeD2---------!
Cecil
1
CH-----------------!
Chewacla
I
I
1
1
1
1
1
I
!
I
Co-----------------
Congaree
GaB2, GaD2---------
Gaston
1
!
!
7A !Slight !Slight !Slight
1 I 1
I �
1 I I
1 � 1
I I I
I 1 I
I � I
!Loblolly pine--------!
!Shortleaf pine-------!
!Southern red oak-----!
;White oak------------!
!Chestnut oak---------!
!Red maple------------!
!Hickory -------------- !
!Northern red oak-----!
I 1 1 1 1
8A !Slight !Slight !Slight !Loblolly pine--------!
! !Shortleaf pine-------!
!Southern red oak-----!
!Virginia pine--------!
!White oak------------!
!Yellow poplar--------!
lSweetgum-------------!
!Hickory--------------!
7C !Moderate!ModeratelModerate:Loblolly pine--------!
!Shortleaf pine-------!
!Virginia pine--------!
!Yellow poplar--------!
!Southern red oak-----!
!Northern red oak-----!
!White oak------------!
!Hickory -------------- !
W01
10A
8C
I
1
77
66
69
71 '
83
65
76
74
64
90
7 ;Loblolly pine.
7
4 '
I
4 '
8
7
4
8
4
6
Loblolly pine.
1 1
72 ! 7 !Loblolly pine.
66 ! 7
65 ! 7
87 ! 6
74 ! 4
77 ! 4
!Slight !ModeratelSlight lSweetgum------------- ! 97 !
!Yellow poplar--------! 100
!American sycamore----! ---
!Water oak------------! 86
!Loblolly pine--------! 96
! !Eastern cottonwood---! ---
!Green ash------------! ---
!Southern red oak-----! ---
!Blackgum-------------! ---
1 1 I I 1 I
!Slight !Slight !Slight lSweetgum------------- ! 100 !
! !Yellow poplar--------! 107 !
! !Loblolly pine--------! 90 !
!Eastern cottonwood---! 107 !
!American sycamore----! 89 !
!Willow oak-----------! 95
!Water oak------------! ---
!Moderate',Moderate!Moderate!Loblolly pine--------! 85
!Shortleaf pine-------! 70
!Yellow poplar--------! ---
!White oak------------! ---
!Southern red oak-----! ---
!Sweetgum-------------! --- !
!Virginia pine--------! ---
!Northern red oak -----
!Hickory --------------
---
! ! ! ! ! !
See footnote at end of table.
9
8
6
10
10
8
9
1.0
8
8
!Sweetgum,
hardwoods.**
I
I
1
1
i
I
i
1
I
1
i
Loblolly pine,
hardwoods.**
1
i
I
i
I
I
!Loblolly pine.

0]
Soil Survey
TABLE 8.--WOODLAND MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY --Continued
Management concerns ; Potential productivity ;
Map symbol and lOrdi.- ; —Equip- , 1 ,
soil name lnationlErosion ! ment !Seedlino! Common trees !Site !Produc-! Trees to plant
!symbollhazard ! limita-;mortal- ! lindexltivity !
! ! ! tion ! ity , 1 ! !Class* 1,
1
GaE----------------!
Gaston I
I
i
I
I
HeB----------------!
Helena
1
I
1
I
I
I
1
!
LgB----------------!
Lignum
MaB2, MaD2---------;
Madison
9R !ModeratelModeratelSlight
I 1 I
! ! !
1 1
! ! !
1 1 I
1 1 1
! ! !
1 I 1
I
Loblolly pine--------; 90
Shortleaf pine-------! 75
Virginia pine--------! ---
Yellow poplar--------! ---
White Oak------------! ---
Southern red oak-----! ---
Sweetqum-------------! ---
Hickory--------------! ---
Northern red oak-----! ---
8W ;Slight IModerate:Slight
;Loblolly pine--------!
80 !
;Shortleaf pine-------!
63
!
!White oak------------!
---
!Yellow poplar--------!
---
lSweetgum-------------!
--- !
!Northern red oak-----!
---
!Southern red oak-----!
---
!Black oak------------!
---
!
!Hickory--------------
---
I!
I I
1 I
I
7W !Slight :ModeratelSlight
!Loblolly pine--------!
76 !
!Northern red oak-----!
68
!Virginia pine--------!
74
!Shortleaf pine-------!
66
!Chestnut oak---------!
---
!Southern red oak-----!
---
!Hickory--------------!
--- !
ISweetgum------------- !
--- !
I i !
!White oak------------!
---
! ! !
!Yellow poplar--------!
---
7C !Moderatc;ModeratelModerate!Loblolly
pine--------!
72
!Shortleaf. pine-------!
61 !
!Virginia pine--------!
66 !
I I
1------1
,Hickory-------- ,
1 ---
,
!Northern red oak-----!
83
!Southern red oak-----!
76
! !
!White oak------------!
81
I I 1
!Yellow poplar--------!
I I
91 !
I
I I
8R !Moderate'Moderate;Slight
!Loblolly pine--------;
79
!Shortleaf pine-------!
66
!Southern red oak-----!
81
!Yellow poplar--------!
96
!Hickory--------------!
---
!Virginia pine--------!
71
lSweetgum------------- !
--- !
!Northern red oak-----!
88
!White oak------------!
80
1
1
I I 1
6C ;Moderate!ModeratelModeratelLoblolly
I
pine--------!
70
!Shortleaf pine-------!
60
!Yellow poplar--------!
80
!Virginia pine--------!
---
!Northern red oak-----!
---
!White oak------------!
---
!Southern red oak-----!
---
lSweetgum-------------!
---
I 1 I
I I I
jHickory--------------!
I I
I I
---
I
I
See footnote at end of table.
9
8
8
7
7
4
8
7
7
7
5
4
4
6
8
7
4
7
8
5
4
6
6
5
!Loblolly pine,
! hardwoods.**
Loblolly pine.
!Loblolly pine.
I
!
I
1
I
!
1
I
I
I
1
i
I
I
I
:Loblolly pine.
1
1
1
I
I
1
!Loblolly pine.
I
!
I
!
!Loblolly pine.
I
!
!
I
1
I

Gaston County, North Carolina
TABLE 8.--WOODLAND MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY --Continued
! ! Management concerns ! Potential productivit
Map symbol and 10rdi- ; , Equip- , , , ,
soil name lnation!Erosion ! ment !Seedling; Common trees ;Site lProduc-! Trees to plant
lsymbollbazard ! limita-;mortal- ; lindexltivity !
tion ! ity ; ; ;class* !
PaE, PaF----------- ! 8R IModerate!ModeratelSlight !Loblolly pine--------! ?8 8 ;Loblolly pine.
Pacolet ; ; ; ; !Shortleaf pine-------! 70 ; 8 !
!Yellow poplar--------! 90 ; 6
;Virginia pine--------! --- ; --
!Southern red oak-----! --- ; --
!Northern red oak-----! --- !
!Hickory--------------i --- i --
! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
TaB, TaD----------- ! 8A !Slight ;Slight !Slight ;Loblolly pine--------! 78 ! 8 ;Loblolly pine.
Tatum ! ! ! ! ;Virginia pine--------! 68 ! 7 !
;Shortleaf pine-------! 68 ! 7
;Northern red oak-----! 72 ! 4
;Yellow poplar--------! 83 ; 5 !
!Chestnut oak---------! --- ! '-
!White oak------------! --- ! --
! !Hickory--------------! --- ! --
!Red. maple------------! --- ! --
!Post oak-------------! --- ! --
TaE----------------! 8R lModeratelModeratelSlight !Loblolly pine--------! 78 ! 8 !Loblolly pine.
Tatum ! ! ! ! !Virginia pine--------! 68 ! 7 !
!Shortleaf pine-------! 68 ! 7 !
!Northern red oak-----! 72 ! 4 !
!Yellow poplar--------! 83 ! 5
!Chestnut oak---------! --- ! --
!White oak------------! --- ! --
,Hickory , --- ! --
!Red maple------------! ---
iP ! --
--- ' --
, ost oak-------------, '
UwF---------------- ! 5R !ModeratelModerate:Slight !Black oak------------! 84 ! 5 !Loblolly pine,
Uwharrie ! ! ! ! !White oak------------! --- ! -- ! hardwoods.**
!Southern red oak-----! --- ! --
!Chestnut oak---------! --- ! --
!Yellow poplar--------! 96 ! 7
!Hickory --------------! --- ! --
!Post oak-------------! --- ! --
VaB, VaD----------- ! 7A !Slight !Slight !Slight !Loblolly pine--------! 76 ! 7 !Loblolly pine.
Vance ! ! ! ! !Northern red oak-----! 72 ! 4
!Shortleaf pine-------! 68 ! 7
!White oak------------! 76 ! 4
!Hickory--------------! --- ! -- !
!Yellow poplar --------
!Southern red oak-----! --- ! --
, ,Sweetgum-------------�
WeD----------------! 8A !Slight !Slight !Slight !Loblolly pine -------- ! 80 ! 8 !Loblolly pine.
Wedowee ,Virginia pine -------- , 70 ! 8 ,
!Shortleaf pine-------! 69 ! 8
!Southern red oak-----! 70 ! 4
!Northern red oak-----! 68 ! 4
!White oak------------! 65 ! 3 !
!Post oak-------------! --- ! -- !
!Yellow poplar--------! --- ! -- !
! lSweetgum------------- ! --- ! -- !
!Hickory -------------- ! --- ! -- !
See footnote at end of table.

100
Soil Survey
TABLE 8.--WOODLAND MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTIVITY --Continued
T ; Management concerns i Potential productivity
Map symbol and ,Ord!.- ;+^? Equip-
soil name lnationlErosion ! ment !Seedling! Common trees :Site !Produc-! Trees to plant
symbollhazard ! limita-;mortal- ; lindexlti.vity
! ! tion ! ity ! : !class*
WkD----------------!
7D !Slight !Slight !Moderatell,oblolly pine--------!
75 !
7
11,obiolly pine.
Wilkes !
! ! ! !Post oak-------------!
79 !
4
!Shortleaf pine-------!
63 !
7
!Southern red oak-----!
--- !
--
!Northern red oak-----!
--- !
--
!White oak------------!
60 !
3
!Hickory--------------!
--' !
--
!Virginia pine--------!
--- !
--
!
!Yellow poplar--------;
--- !
--
WkF----------------!
7R!ModeratelModerate!Moderate!Loblolly pine--------!
75 !
7
!Loblolly pine.
Wilkes !
! ! ! !Post oak-------------!
79 !
4
!Shortleaf pine-------!
63 !
7
!Southern red oak-----!
--- !
--
!Northern red oak-----!
--- !
--
!White oak------------i
60 !
3
!Hickory--------------!
--- !
--
!Virginia pine--------!
--- !
--
!Yellow poplar--------!
--- !
--
WnB, WnD-----------!
7A !Slight !Slight !Slight !Loblolly pine--------!
73 !
7
;Loblolly pine.
Winnsboro !
! ! ! !Shortleaf pine-------!
63 !
7
!
!Virginia pine--------!
63 !
7
!Post oak-------------!
55 !
3
!Red maple------------!
70 !
3
!
!Southern red oak-----!
84 !
4
!Sweetgum-------------i
78 !
5
!White oak------------!
69 !
4
!Yellow poplar -------- !
88 !
6
!
!Northern red oak-----!
--- !
--
WoA----------------!
6W !Slight !Severe !Severe !Yellow poplar--------:
91 :
6
!Loblolly pine,
Worsham !
! ! ! !Northern red oak-----!
80 !
4
! hardwoods.**
!Virginia pine--------!
80 !
8
!Loblolly pine--------!
88 !
9
!
lSweetgum------------- !
--- !
--
!Willow oak-----------!
--- !
--
:Red maple------------',--
* Productivity class is the yield in cubic meters per hectare per year calculated at the age of culmination
of mean annual increment for fully stocked natural stands.
** To establish hardwoods on a forested site, rely on natural reproduction (seeds and sprouts) of acceptable
species. Special site preparation techniques may be required. Planting of hardwoods on a specific site should
be done upon recommendations of a forester.

Gaston County, North Carolina
101
TABLE 9.--RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
[Some terms that describe restrictive soil features are defined in the Glossary. See text for definitions
of "slight," "moderate," and "severe." Absence of an entry indicates that the soil was not rated]
Map symbol and 1 Camp areas 1 Picnic areas ; Playgrounds ;Paths and trails; Golf fairways
soil name 1 1 ! ! !
AmB------------------- ;Moderate:
!Moderate:
!Severe:
Alamance Variant ; small stones.
; small stones.
; small stones.
I
I
I
I
AmD------------------- ;Moderate:
I
;Moderate:
I
;Severe:
Alamance Variant ; small stones,
; slope,
; slope,
slope.
I
; small stones.
I
; small stones.
I
I
ApB------------------- :Slight ----------
I
:Slight ----------
I
;Moderate:
Appling ;
;
; slope.
CeB2------------------ !Slight ----------
!Slight ----------
jModerate:
Cecil ;
;
; slope.
CeD2------------------ ;Moderate:
;Moderate:
;Severe:
Cecil ; slope.
; slope.
; slope.
I
I
1
I
I
I
CfB:
Cecil ---------------- !Slight ----------
!Slight ----------
;Moderate:
slope.
I
I
I
I
I
I
Urban land.
I
1
1
CfD:
Cecil ---------------- ;Moderate:
;Moderate:
;Severe:
slope.
I
; slope.
r
; slope.
I
1
Urban land.
I
I
r
I
I
CH -------------------- ;Severe:
;Severe:
;Severe:
Chewacla ; flooding,
; wetness.
; wetness,
wetness.
I
;
r
; flooding.
I
I
Co -------------------- ;Severe:
I
!Slight ----------
r
;Moderate:
Congaree ; flooding.
;
; flooding,
slope.
I I I
GaB2------------------ :Slight ---------- !Slight ---------- ;Moderate:
Gaston i
i
; slope,
small stones.
GaD2------------------ !Mode.rate:
;Moderate:
;Severe:
Gaston ; slope.
; slope.
; slope.
GaE------------------- !Severe:
;Severe:
'Severe:
Gaston ; slope.
; slope.
; slope.
HeB------------------- ;Moderate:
;Moderate:
;Moderate:
Helena ; wetness,
; wetness,
; wetness,
peres slowly.
; peres slowly.
; slope,
peres slowly.
HuB:
Helena --------------- ;Moderate:
;Moderate:
;Moderate:
wetness,
; wetness.
; wetness,
1 peres slowly.
r
1
r
1 slope.
r
I
Urban land.
I
I
I
I
I I
I I
I 1
!Slight ---------- ;Moderate:
small stones.
I I
!Slight ---------- ;Moderate:
small stones,
slope.
:Slight ---------- !Slight.
I
I I
I I
I I
!Slight ---------- ;Slight..
I I
I 1
I I
I I
!Slight ---------- 'Moderate:
slope.
I 1
I I
1
!Slight ---------- !Slight.
I
!Slight ----
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
;Severe:
1 wetness.
I
;Moderate:
slope.
r
I
I
I
r
I
;Severe:
wetness,
flooding.
Slight ---------- ;Moderate:
1 flooding.
I
I
I
I
Slight ---------- ;Slight.
;Slight ---------- ;Moderate:
slope.
!Moderate:
!Severe:
slope.
; slope.
I
I
;Moderate:
;Moderate:
1 wetness.
1 wetness.
I I
;Moderate: ;Moderate:
1 wetness. 1 wetness.

102
Soil Survey
TABLE 9.--RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT --Continued
Map symbol and ' Camp areas ; Picnic areas ; Playgrounds !Paths and trails! Golf fairways
soil name ; ! ! ! !
!
!
!
LgB------------------- !Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
Lignum ; wetness,
; peres slowly.
; wetness,
peres slowly.
;
; peres slowly.
!
MaB2------------------ ISlight----------
!
!Slight ----------
!
;Moderate:
Madison !
!
! slope,
1
I
1 small stones.
MaD2------------------ !Moderate:
!Moderate:
!!Severe:
Madison ! slope.
I
! slope.
I
! slope.
I
I
MaE-------------------!Severe:
I
!Severe:
I
!Severe:
Madison ! slope.
! slope.
! slope.
!
PaD2------------------ !Moderate:
!
!Moderate:
I
!Severe:
Pacolet ! slope.
! slope.
! slope.
!
PaE------------------- !Severe:
!
!Severe:
!
!Severe:
Pacolet ! slope.
! slope.
! slope.
PaF------------------- !Severe:
Pacolet ! slope.
Pt.
Pits
Ro.
Rock outcrop
TaB------------------- !Moderate:
Tatum ! small stones.
1
TaD--------------------- !Moderate:
Tatum I slope,
I small stones.
TaE------------------- !Severe:
Tatum ! slope.
I
I
1
Ud.
Udorthents
I
I
Ur. !
Urban land !
I
UwF------------------- !Severe:
Uwharrie ! slope.
I
Severe:
slope.
!Moderate:
! small stones.
I
1
!Moderate:
I slope,
I small stones.
I
I
!Severe:
slope.
I
I
I
I
I
I
!
I
1
1
I
I
I
1
!Severe:
! slope.
VaB------------------- !Moderate: !Moderate:
Vance ! peres slowly. ', peres slowly.
_---------I I
VaD--------- !Moderate: !Moderate:
Vance ! slope, ! slope,
peres slowly. I peres slowly.
Severe:
slope.
Severe:
small stones.
Severe:
slope,
small stones.
Severe:
slope,
small stones.
!Severe:
! slope.
!Moderate: !Moderate:
wetness. ! wetness.
!Slight ---------- !Slight.
I
I I
! I
I
!Slight ---------- ;Moderate:
I
! slope.
I
!Moderate:
!Severe:
! slope.
I
! slope.
I
I I
:Slight ----------- !Moderate:
! slope.
!Moderate:
!Severe:
! slope.
! slope.
!Severe: !Severe:
! slope. ! slope.
1
I 1
1 1
! 1
I 1
I
I I
I I
I 1
I �
I I
!Slight ---------- !Moderate:
! ! small stones.
! !
!Slight ---------- !Moderate:
small stones,
slope.
!Moderate:
I slope.
!Severe:
slope.
Moderate: !Slight
slope,
peres slowly. !
1
Severe: !Slight
slope.
I
Severe:
slope.
I
I
I
I
!
1
I
1
1
1
1
I
!Severe:
! slope,
! large stones.
!Slight.
IModerate:
! slope.
1

Gaston County, North Carolina
103
TABLE 9.--RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT --Continued
f i
Map symbol and ; Camp areas ; Picnic areas ; Playgrounds ;Paths and trails; Golf fairways
soil name
i i i i i
WeD------------------- ;Moderate: ;Moderate: ;Severe: !Slight ---------- ;Moderate:
Wedowee ; slope. ; slope. ; slope. ; ; slope.
WkD------------------- ;Severe: ;Severe: ;Severe: !Slight ---------- ;Severe:
Wilkes ; depth to rock. ; depth to rock. ; slope, ; ; depth to rock.
depth to rock.
WkF------------------- ;Severe: ;Severe: ;Severe: ;Moderate: ;Severe:
Wilkes ; slope, ; slope, ; slope, ; slope. ; slope,
depth to rock. ; depth to rock. ; depth to rock. ; ; depth to rock.
WnB------------------- ;Moderate: ;Moderate: ;Moderate: :Slight ---------- ;Slight.
Winnsboro ; peres slowly. ; peres slowly. ; slope,
peres slowly.
WnD------------------- ;Moderate: ;Moderate: ;Severe: !Slight ---------- ;Moderate:
Winnsboro ; slope, ; slope, ; slope. ; ; slope.
peres slowly. ; peres slowly.
WoA------------------- ;Severe: ;Severe: ;Severe: ;Severe: ;Severe:
Worsham ; wetness, ; wetness, ; wetness, ; wetness. ; wetness.
peres slowly. ; peres slowly. ; peres slowly.

104
Soil Survey
TABLE 10.--WILDLIFE HABITAT
[See text for definitions of "good," "fair," "poor," and "very poor." Absence of an entry indicates that the
soil was not rated]
Map symbol and
soil name
Potential for habitat. elements ;Potential as nanitat for --
I I Wild
Grain ;Grasses ; herba- !Hardwood! Conif- ;Wetland !Shallow 10penlandlpioodland!Wetland
and seed; and ! ceous ! trees ! erous ! plants ! water lwildlifelwildlife!wildl.ife
crops !legumes ! plants ! ! plants ; ; areas !
I I 1 I I I I I I
I I I r r 1 I I I
I 1 I 1 1 1 I 1 1
AmB---------------- ;Good
;Good
;Good
;Good
;Good
;Very
!Very
;Good
;Good
;Very
Alamarce Variant ;
I
;
I
!
I
!
I
I
; poor.
I
; poor.
I
;
1
;
I
; poor.
I
I
AmD----------------;Fair
1
!Good
I
!Good
I
!Good
I
!Good
I
;Very
I
!Very
I
!Good
I
!Good
I
!Very
Alamance Variant ;
I
!
I
!
I
!
I
!
I
; poor.
I
; poor.
1
;
I
!
1
; poor.
I
ApB---------------- !Good
!Good
!Good
!Good
!Good
;Poor
;Very
!Good
!Good
!Very
Appling ;
1
;
I
;
I
!
I
!
1
!
I
; poor..
I
I
;
I
; poor.
I
I
CeB2--------------- !Fair
I
!Good
1
!Good
I
!Good
1
;Good
I
!Very
I
!Very
1
!Good
I
!Good
I
;Very
Cecil !
I
!
I
!
I
!
I
!
I
! poor.
I
! poor.
I
!
I
!
I
! poor.
1
I
CeD2--------------- !Poor
I
!Fair
I
!Fair
I
!Fair
I
!Fair
I
!Very
I
!Very
I
!Fair
I
!Fair
I
!Very
Cecil !
!
!
!
!
! poor.
! poor.
!
!
! poor.
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
1
1
1
I
1
I
1
1
I
I
I
1
Cecil-------- !Fair
!Good
!Good
!Good
!Good
!Very
!Very
!Good
!Good
!Very
poor.
! poor.
!
!
! poor.
Urban land.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
CfD:
I
1
I
I
I
I
1
1
I
Cecil ------------- !Poor
!Fair
!Fair
!Fair
!Fair
!Very
!Very
!Fair
!Fair
!Very
poor.
! poor.
!
!
! poor.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
1
I
I
1
I
I
Urban land.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
1
I
I
I
I
CH ----------------- !Very
1
!Poor
I
!Poor
I
!Good
I
!Good
I
!Fair
I
!Fair
1
!Poor
I
!Good
I
!Fair.
Chewacla ! poor.
1
I
1
1
I
I
I
1
i
1
I
1
I
I
1
L
1
I
I
1
Co ------------------ !Good
!Good
!Good
!Good
!Good
!Fair
!Fair.
,Good
,Good
IFair.
Congaree
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
1
I
1
I
1
GaB2--------------- :Fair
1
!Good
I
!Good
1
!Good
I
!Good
I
!Poor
!Very
!Good
!Good
!Very
Gaston !
1
!
1
!
I
!
I
!
I
;
I
! poor.
I
!
I
!
I
! poor.
I
GaD2--------------- !Fair
I
!Good
I
!Good
I
!Good
I
!Good
I
!Very
I
!Very
I
!Good
I
!Good
1
!Very
Gaston !
!
i
!
! poor.
! poor.
!
!
! poor.
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
GaE---------------- :Poor
1
!Fair
1
!Good
I
!Good
1
!Good
I
!Very
I
!Very
I
!Fair
I
!Good
I
!Very
Gaston !
i
!
!
! poor.
! poor.
!
!
! poor.
I
1
I
I
i
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
He6----------------!Fair
I
!Good
I
!Good
1
!Good
I
!Good
I
IPoor
!Very
!Good
!Good
!Very
Helena !
I
!
I
!
I
I
!
I
!
I
! poor.
I
!
I
!
I
! poor.
I
HuB:
Helena ------------ !Fair
!Good
!Good
!Good
!Good
!Poor
!Very
!Good
!Good
!Very
I
I
I
I
I
I
poor.
I
!
I
!
1
! poor.
I
I
Urban land.
I
I
1
I
1
1
1
I
1
LgB---------------- !Fair
!Good
!Good
!Good
!Good
!Poor
!Very
!Good
!Good
!Very
Lignum !
!
!
!
!
!
! poor.
!
!
, poor.
1
I
r
r
r
I
I
r
1
1
1
1
I
I
MaB2--------------- !Fair
I
;Fair.
I
!Fair
I
IFa.ir
1
!Fair
I
!Poor
I
!Very
!Fair
!Fair
!Very
Madison !
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! poor.
!
!
!
!
!
! poor.
!

Gaston County, North Carolina
105
Map symbol and
soil name
TABLE 10.--WILDLIFE HABITAT --Continued
Potential or habitat elements jPotential as habitat for--
i Wild 1 1 I I 1 I I
Grain ;Grasses : herba- ;Hardwood; Conif- ;Wetland ;Shallow :Openland:Woodland:Wetland
and seed; and : ceous : trees ; erous : plants : water :wildlife:wildlife:wi.ldlife
crops :legumes : plants : plants : : areas :
MaD2--------------- :Poor
;Fair
;Fair
;Fair
;Fair
;Very
;Very
;Fair
;Fair
;Very
Madison i
i
i
i
i
i poor.
; poor.
;
;
; poor.
I
I
1
1
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
MaE---------------- '
,Poor
; Fair
I
;Good
I
;Good
1
:Good
I
!Very
y
1
!Very
y
I
, 'Fair
I
'
,Fair
1
'
,Very
Madison i
i
i
i
i
i poor.
; poor.
;
;
; poor.
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
1
PaD2--------------- !Very
;Poor
;Very
I
;Poor
1
;Poor
I
;Very
I
;Very
I
;Very
1
;Poor
1
;Very
Pacolet ; poor.
;
; poor.
;
;
; poor.
; poor.
; poor.
;
; poor.
PaE, PaF----------- !Very
;Poor
;Poor
;Fair
;Fair
:Very
;Very
;Poor
:Fair
;Very
Pacolet ; poor.
I
i
I
i
I
i
I
i
I
; poor.
I
; poor.
I
;
I
;
I
; poor.
I
1
Pt. 1
I
I
I
1
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
i
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
1
I
Pits 1
1
I
I
1
I
1
1
I
I
1
I
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
1
I
Ro. 1
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
1
I
1
I
1
I
1
I
1
I
1
I
Rock outcrop
1
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
TaB---------------- :Fair
;Good
:Good
;Good
;Good
;Poor
;Very
;Good
;Good
:Very
Tatum i
i
i
i
i
i poor.
:
:
: poor.
I
1
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
1
1
TaD---------------- !Fair
I
:Good
I
:Good
I
:Good
I
:Good
1
:Very
1
:Very
1
:Good
I
:Good
1
:Very
Tatum i
i
i
i
i
i poor.
: poor.
;
:
: poor.
TaE---------------- !Poor
:Fair
:Good
:Good
:Good
:Very
:Very
:Fair
:Good
:Very
Tatum i
i
i
i
: poor.
: poor.
:
:
: poor.
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
Ud. I
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
1
I
I
I
1
I
Udorthents :
1
1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
i
1
I
Ur. I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
1
1
I
I
I
1
1
I
1
1
I
I
Urban land
I
I
I
1
1
1
I
I
I
I
I
UwF---------------- !Very
1
:Very
I
:Fair
I
:Fair
I
:Fair
I
:Very
I
:Very
I
:Poor
I
!Fair
I
:Very
Uwharrie : poor.
: poor.
:
:
:
: poor.
: poor.
:
:
: poor.
VaB---------------- !Fair
:Good
:Good
:Good
:Good
:Poor
:Very
:Good
:Good
:Very
Vance :
i
:
i
i
i
I poor.
:
:
: poor.
1
I
1
I
I
1
1
I
I
1
I
VaD---------------- :Poor
I
:Fair
I
:Fair
I
:Fair
I
:Fair
I
:Very
I
:Very
1
:Fair
1
:Fair
:Very
Vance i
I
i
1
i
I
I
I
i
I
{ poor.
1
: poor.
I
i
1
i
I
i poor.
I
1
WeD---------------- !Fair
1
:Good
1
:Good
1
:Good
I
:Good
I
:Very
1
:Very
I
:Good
I
:Good
I
:Very
Wedowee i
i
i
i
i
i poor.
: poor.
:
:
: poor.
I
WkD, WkF----------- !Poor
:Poor
:Fair
:Fair
:Fair
:Very
:Very
:Poor
:Fair
:Very
Wilkes i
1
i
1
i
I
I
i
I
: poor.
1
: poor.
I
:
I
:
I
: poor.
I
I
WnB---------------- !Fair
1
:Good
1
:Good
1
:Good
I
:Good
I
:Poor
1
:Very
I
:Good
I
:Good
I
:Very
Winnsboro :
:
:
:
:
:
: poor.
:
;
: poor.
WnD---------------- !Fair
:Good
:Good
:Good
:Good
:Very
:Very
:Good
:Good
:Very
Winnsboro :
i
i
i
i
: poor.
: poor.
:
:
: poor.
WoA---------------- !Poor
:Fair
:Fair
:Fair
:Fair
:Good
:Good
:Fair
:Fair
:Good.
Worsham :
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I

106
Soil Survey
TABLE ll.--BUILDING SITE DEVELOPMENT
[Some terms that describe restrictive soil features are defined in the Glossary. See text for definitions of
':slight," "moderate," and "severe." Absence of an entry indicates that the soil was not rated. The
information in this table indicates the dominant soil condition; it does not eliminate the need for onsite
investigation]
i i i i i i
Map symbol and ; Shallow : Dwellings ; Dwellings ; Small Local roads ; Lawns and
soil name : excavations ; without ; with ; commercial ; and streets ; landscaping
: basements i basements ; buildings
AmB ---------------
Alamance Variant
AmD ---------------
Alamance Variant
ApB---------------
Appling
CeB2 --------------
Cecil
CeD2 --------------
Cecil
CfB:
Cecil ------------
Urban land.
CfD:
Cecil ------------
I I 1 I
I I I I
!Slight---------ISlight---------;Slight---------:Moderate:
slope.
IModerate:
IModerate: ;Moderate: !Severe:
slope.
I
I
; slope. ; slope. ; slope.
I I 1
I I I
I
I
;Moderate:
r I I
I I I
ISlight--------- ISlight--------- ;Slight---------
too clayey.
I
I I I
;Moderate:
;Slight --------- :Slight --------- !Moderate:
too clayey.
II
i i ! slope.
I I I
;Moderate:
(Moderate: !Moderate: (Severe:
too clayey,
! slope. ! slope. ! slope.
slope.
!
Moderate:
I 1 I
(Slight --------- :Slight --------- !Moderate:
too clayey.
i i ! slope.
Moderate:
too clayey,
slope.
Urban land. :
i
CH ---------------- :Severe:
Chewacla : wetness.
I
i
I
Co ---------------- :Moderate:
Congaree ! wetness,
! flooding.
I
I
GaB2-------------- :Moderate:
Gaston : too clayey.
I
I
GaD2-------------- !Moderate:
Gaston ! too clayey,
: slope.
I
I
GaE--------------- :Severe:
Gaston : slope.
I
I
I
1
HeB--------------- !Severe:
Helena ! wetness.
I
I
I
I
I
1
:Moderate:
: slope.
1
I
I
I
I
!
!Severe:
flooding,
: wetness.
I
1
!Moderate:
! slope.
1
I
Severe:
flooding,
wetness.
Severe:
slope.
Severe:
flooding,
wetness.
!Severe:
:Severe:
I I
!Severe:
flooding.
I
flooding.
I
flooding.
I
I
:Moderate:
I
!Moderate:
r
:Moderate:
: shrink -swell.
! shrink -swell.
! shrink -swell,
: slope.
!Moderate:
!Moderate:
!Severe:
! slope,
! slope,
! slope.
! shrink -swell.
1 shrink -swell.
1
!Severe: !Severe: !Severe:
! slope. ! slope. ! slope.
1 I 1
I I I
I I I
I I I
!Severe: !Severe: !Severe:
! shrink -swell. ! wetness, ! shrink -swell.
! ! shrink -swell. !
1 I
:Severe: :Moderate:
! low strength. ! small stones.
Severe: !Moderate:
low strength. ; small stones,
slope.
Moderate: :Slight.
low strength. !
I
Moderate: :Slight.
low strength. !
Moderate: (Moderate:
slope, ! slope.
low strength. !
!Moderate:
!Slight.
! low strength.
I
I
I
I
!
I
I
I
�
I
I
I
I
:Moderate:
�
I
I
I
!Moderate:
: slope,
: slope.
: low strength.
I
I
:
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
1
:Severe:
:Severe:
low strength,
: wetness,
wetness,
: flooding.
flooding.
:
;Severe:
!
:Moderate:
flooding.
: flooding.
Severe: :Slight.
low strength. !
I
Severe: :Moderate:
low strength. : slope.
Severe: !Severe:
low strength, ! slope.
slope. :
I
Severe: !Moderate:
low strength, ! wetness.
shrink -swell. !
I

Gaston County, North Carolina
107
TABLE ll.--BUILDING SITE DEVELOPMENT --Continued
Map symbol and ; Shallow
; Dwellings
; Dwellings
; Small
; Local roads
; Lawns and
soil name ! excavations
; without
; with
; commercial
; and streets
; landscaping
basements
; basements
; buildings
;
i
r
HuB:
Helena ----------- !Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Moderate:
wetness.
! shrink -swell.
! wetness,
! shrink -swell.
! low strength,
! wetness.
shrink -swell.
!
! shrink -swell.
Urban land.
LgB--------------- !Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Moderate:
Lignum ! wetness.
! wetness.
! wetness.
! wetness.
! low strength.
! wetness.
MaB2-------------- !Moderate:
!Slight --------- !Slight --------- !Moderate:
!Severe:
!Slight.
Madison ! too clayey.
!
!
! slope.
! low strength.
MaD2-------------- !Moderate:
!Moderate:
!Moderate:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Moderate:
Madison ! too clayey,
! slope.
! slope.
! slope.
! low strength.
; slope.
slope.
!
!
!
!
!
!
MaE--------------- !Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
Madison ! slope.
! slope.
! slope.
! slope.
! low strength,
! slope.
slope.
PaD2-------------- !Moderate:
;Moderate:
!Moderate:
!Severe:
!Moderate:
!Moderate:
Pacolet ! too clayey,
! slope.
! slope.
! slope.
! low strength,
! slope.
slope.
!
!
!
! slope.
PaE, PaF---------- !Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
Pacolet ! slope.
! slope.
! slope.
! slope.
! slope.
; slope.
Pt.
Pits
!
!
!
!
!
!
Ro.
Rock outcrop
i
TaB--------------- !Moderate:
Tatum ! too clayey.
TaD--------------- !Moderate:
Tatum ! slope,
too clayey.
TaE--------------- !Severe:
Tatum ! slope.
i
i
i
Ud.
Udorthents
Ur.
Urban land
i
i
UwF--------------- !Severe:
Uwharrie ! slope.
i
i
VaB--------------- !Moderate:
Vance ! too clayey.
i
! i !
!Moderate: !Moderate: !Moderate:
shrink -swell. ! shrink -swell. ! shrink -swell,
slope.
!Moderate: !Moderate: !Severe:
shrink -swell, ! slope, ! slope.
slope. ! shrink -swell. !
!Severe: !Severe:
slope. ! slope.
! !
! !
!Severe: !Severe:
slope. i slope.
Moderate: !Moderate:
shrink -swell. ! shrink -swell
!Severe:
slope.
i
i
i
i
!
i
i
Severe:
low strength
Severe:
low strength
Severe:
slope,
low strength.
i
!
!Moderate:
small stones.
i
!
!Moderate:
small stones,
i
slope.
!Severe:
! slope.
!Severe: !Severe: !Severe:
slope. ! low strength, ! slope,
slope. ! large stones.
! ! !
!Moderate: !Severe: !Slight.
shrink -swell, ! low strength.
slope.

108
Soil Survey
TABLE ll.--BUILDING SITE DEVELOPMENT --Continued
i i i i i i
Map symbol and ; Shallow ; Dwellings ; Dwellings ! Small ; Local roads ; Lawns and
soil name ; excavations ; without with ; commercial ; and streets ; landscaping
basements ; basements ; buildings ! !
i
i
i
i
i
i
VaD--------------- ;Moderate:
!Moderate:
;Moderate:
iSevere:
;Severe:
!Moderate:
Vance ; too clayey, ; shrink -swell,
; slope,
; slope.
; low strength.
; slope.
slope.
; slope.
! shrink -swell.
WeD--------------- !Moderate:
;Moderate:
;Moderate:
!Severe:
!Moderate:
!Moderate:
Wedowee ; too clayey, ; shrink -swell,
; slope.
; slope.
; shrink -swell,
; slope.
slope.
; slope.
;
'
; low strength,
slope.
WkD--------------- ;Severe:
!Moderate:
!Severe:
!Severe:
;Moderate:
!Severe:
Wilkes ! depth to
rock.; shrink -swell,
! depth to
rock.! slope.
! depth to rock,! depth to rock.
slope,
'
; shrink -swell,
!
depth to rock.;
;
; slope.
WkF--------------- !Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
;Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
Wilkes ; slope,
! slope.
; slope,
! slope.
! slope.
! slope,
depth to
rock.!
; depth to
rock.;
i
! depth to rock.
WnB--------------- :Slight --------- !Severe:
!Slight --------- !Severe:
!Severe:
!Slight.
Winnsboro !
! shrink -swell.
!
! shrink -swell.
! shrink -swell,
!
low strength.
!
WnD--------------- !Moderate:
!Severe:
!Moderate:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Moderate:
Winnsboro I slope.
! shrink -swell.
! slope.
! slope,
! shrink -swell,
! slope.
! shrink -swell.
! low strength.
WoA--------------- !Severe:
lSFvere:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
Worsham wetness.
! wetness.
! wetness.
! wetness.
! wetness,
! wetness.
low strength.

Gaston County, North Carolina
109
TABLE 12.--SANITARY FACILITIES
[Some terms that describe restrictive soil features are defined in the Glossary. See text for definitions of
"slight," "good," and other terms. Absence of an entry indicates that the soil was not rated. The
information in this table indicates the dominant soil condition; it does not eliminate the need for
onsite investigation]
Map symbol and i bepLic LanK
soil name absorption
fields
i sewage lagoon
, areas*
;
; 1'rencn
; sanitary
; landfill
; Area
; sanitary
; landfill
; Daily cover
; for landfill
;
AmB----------------- ;Moderate:
;Moderate:
;Severe:
;Moderate:
;Fair:
Alamance Variant ; peres slowly,
; seepage,
; depth to rock.
depth to rock.
; depth to rock,
depth to rock.
; depth to rock,
;
;
; thin layer.
slope.
AmD----------------- ;Moderate:
;Severe:
;Severe:
;Moderate:
;Fair:
Alamance Variant ; peres slowly,
; slope.
; depth to rock.
; slope,
; depth to rock,
slope,
;
; depth to rock.
; thin layer.
depth to rock.
ApB----------------- ;Moderate:
;Moderate:
;Moderate:
!Slight -----------
;Fair:
Appling ; peres slowly.
; seepage,
; too clayey.
;
; too clayey,
slope.
;
;
; hard to pack.
CeB2---------------- ;Moderate:
;Moderate:
;Moderate:
!Slight -----------
;Fair:
Cecil peres slowly.
; seepage,
; too clayey.
;
; too clayey,
slope.
;
;
; hard to pack.
CeD2---------------- ;Moderate;
;Severe:
;Moderate:
;Moderate:
;Fair:
Cecil ; peres slowly,
; slope.
; slope,
; slope.
; too clayey,
slope.
;
; too clayey.
;
; slope,
hard to pack.
CfB:
Cecil -------------- ;Moderate:
;Moderate:
;Moderate:
:Slight -----------
;Fair:
peres slowly.
; seepage,
; too clayey.
;
; too clayey,
slope.
;
;
; hard to pack.
Urban land.
CfD:
Cecil -------------- ;Moderate:
;Severe:
;Moderate:
;Moderate:
',Fair:
peres slowly,
; slope.
; slope,
; slope.
; too clayey,
slope.
;
; too clayey.
;
; slope,
hard to pack.
Urban land.
CH ------------------ ;Severe:
;Severe:
;Severe:
;Severe:
;Poor:
Chewacla ; flooding,
; flooding,
; flooding,
; flooding,
; hard to pack,
wetness.
; wetness.
; wetness.
; wetness.
; wetness.
Co ------------------ ;Severe:
;Severe:
;Severe:
;Severe:
;Fair:
Congaree ; flooding,
; flooding,
; flooding,
; flooding,
; wetness.
wetness.
; wetness.
; wetness.
; wetness.
GaB2---------------- ;Moderate:
;Moderate:
;Severe:
!Slight -----------
;Poor:
Gaston ; peres slowly.
; seepage,
; too clayey.
;
; too clayey,
slope.
;
;
; hard to pack.
GaD2---------------- ;Moderate:
;Severe:
;Severe:
;Moderate:
;Poor:
Gaston ; peres slowly,
; slope.
; too clayey.
; slope.
; too clayey,
slope.
;
;
;
; hard to pack.
See footnote at end of table.

110
Soil Survey
TABLE 12.--SANITARY FACILITIES --Continued
Map symbol and i Septic tan
orption
soil name absfields
I
GaE-----------------,'Severe:
I
!Severe:
Gaston ; slope.
I
I
slope.
I
I
HeB----------------- iSevere:
;Moderate
Helena ; wetness,
; slope.
peres slowly.
I
I
I
I
HUB:
Helena ------------- ;Severe: ;Moderate:
wetness, ; slope.
peres slowly.
Urban land.
i
LgB----------------- ;Severe: ;Severe:
Lignum ; peres slowly, ; wetness.
1 wetness.
MaB2---------------- ;Moderate:
Madison ; peres slowly.
I
I
I
I
MaD2---------------- ;Moderate:
Madison ; per.cs slowly,
slope.
I
MaE----------------- iSevere:
Madison ; slope.
I
PaD2---------------- ;Moderate:
Pacolet i peres slowly,
slope.
PaE, PaF------------ iSevere:
Pacolet ; slope.
I
Pt.
Pits '•
i
Rc.
Rock outcrop
TaB----------------- ;Moderate:
Tatum i depth to rock,
peres slowly.
1
I
TaD----------------- :Moderate:
Tatum , depth to rock,
peres slowly,
slope.
I
TaE----------------- ;Severe:
Tatum ; slope.
See footnote at end of table.
Moderate:
seepage,
slope.
;Severe:
slope.
I
;Severe:
slope.
I
;Severe:
slope.
I
I
I
I
;Severe:
slope.
,Moderate:
seepage,
depth to rock,
slope.
I
;Severe:
slope.
I
I
Severe:
slope.
sanitary
landfill
Severe:
slope,
too clayey.
Severe:
wetness,
too clayey.
Severe:
wetness,
too clayey.
Severe:
wetness,
too clayey.
Etrea ; ualiy cover
sanitary ; for landfill
landfill
Severe
slope
;Moderate:
1 wetness.
I
i
;Moderate:
1 wetness.
I
i
Severe:
wetness.
1
I
I
;Poor:
too clayey,
hard to pack,
slope.
;Poor:
too clayey,
hard to pack.
I
I
I
I
;Poor:
too clayey,
hard to pack.
I
I
I
I
I
;Poor:
too clayey,
hard to pack,
1 wetness.
Slight ----------- ISlight----------- ;Fair:
too clayey.
Moderate
slope.
I
I
I
I
;Severe:
slope.
I
1
Moderate:
slope.
I
I
;Severe:
slope.
i
I
;Moderate:
slope.
1
I
I
I
;Severe:
slope.
I
;Moderate:
slope.
I
I
I
I
;Severe:
slope.
I
1
1
1
1
i
I
;Severe: ;Moderate:
too clayey, ; depth to rock.
depth to rock.
I I
1 I
I 1
I
(Severe: ;Moderate:
too clayey, ; slope,
depth to rock. ; depth to rock.
I 1
;Severe: ;Severe:
slope, ; slope.
too clayey,
depth to rock.
I
;Fair:
too clayey.
I
i
I
;Poor:
slope.
I
I
I
I
;Fair:
too clayey,
slope.
I
I
;Poor:
slope.
1
I
I
1
i
I
I
1
1
I
1
;Poor:
too clayey,
hard to pack,
small stones.
I
I
;Poor:
too clayey,
hard to pack,
small stones.
1
1
;Poor:
1 too clayey,
hard to pack,
small stones.
1
I

Gaston County, North Carolina
111
TABLE 12.--SANITARY FACILITIES --Continued
Map symbol and Septic tank Sewage lagoon ; Trench ; Area ; Daily cover
soil name absorption , areas* ; sanitary ; sanitary ; for landfill
fields ; ; landfill ; landfill
Ud.
Udorthents
Ur.
Urban land
UwF----------------- ;Severe:
Uwharrie ; slope.
i
VaB----------------- ;Severe:
Vance ; peres slowly.
i
i
VaD----------------- ;Severe:
Vance ; peres slowly.
i
WeD----------------- ;Moderate:
Wedowee ; peres slowly,
slope.
WkD----------------- ;Severe:
Wilkes ; depth to rock.
i
i
WkF----------------- ;Severe:
Wilkes ; slope,
depth to rock.
WnB----------------- ;Severe:
Winnsboro ; peres slowly.
i
i
WnD----------------- ;Severe:
Winnsboro ; peres slowly.
;Severe: ;Severe:
large stones, ; too clayey,
slope. ; slope.
;Moderate: ;Severe:
slope. ; too clayey.
;Severe:
i
;Severe:
slope.
; too clayey.
;Severe:
;Moderate:
slope.
slope,
too clayey.
;Severe:
;Severe:
slope,
; depth to rock.
depth to rock.
;Severe: ;Severe:
slope, ; depth to rock,
depth to rock. ; slope.
!Moderate: !Severe:
slope. ; too clayey.
;Severe:
;Poor:
slope.
; too clayey,
slope,
hard to pack.
!Slight -----------
;Poor:
too clayey,
hard to pack.
;Moderate:
;Poor:
slope.
; too clayey,
hard to pack.
;Moderate:
;Fair:
slope.
; too clayey,
slope.
;Severe:
;Poor:
depth to rock.
; thin layer,
depth to rock.
;Severe: ;Poor:
slope, ; thin layer,
depth to rock. ; depth to rock,
slope.
!Slight ----------- ;Poor:
too clayey,
hard to pack.
;Severe: ;Severe: !Moderate: ;Poor:
slope. ; depth to rock. ; slope. ; too clayey,
hard to pack.
WoA----------------- ;Severe: :Slight ----------- ;Severe: ;Severe: ;Poor:
Worsham ; peres slowly, ; ; wetness, ; wetness. ; too clayey,
wetness. ; ; too clayey. ; ; hard to pack,
i i i i i
wetness.
* Ratings are for lagoons that are 2 to 5 feet deep (aerobic type).

112
Soil Survey
TABLE 13.--CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
[Some terms that describe restrictive soil features are defined in the Glossary. See text for definitions of
"good," "fair," and other terms. Absence of an entry indicates that the soil was not rated. The
information in this table indicates the dominant soil condition; it does not eliminate the need for
onsite investigation]
Map symbol and ; Roadfill
soil name
AmB-------------------!Poor:
Alamance Variant ! low strength
I
1
AmD------------------- !Poor:
Alamance Variant ! low strength.
ApB------------------- ;Fair:
Appling ; low strength.
I
I
CeB2, CeD2------------ ;Fair:
Cecil ; low strength,
slope.
CfB, CfD: I
Cecil ---------------- !Fair:
low strength,
slope.
Urban land. ;
I
I
CH------------------ !Poor:
Chewacla ! low strength,
I wetness.
Co -------------------- !Fair:
Congaree ! low strength,
wetness.
I
I
GaB2, GaEr2------------ !Poor:
Gaston ! low strength.
I
I
GaE------------------- !Poor:
Gaston ! low strength.
HeB------------------- !Poor:
Helena ! low strength,
shrink -swell.
I
HuB:
Helena --------------- !Poor:
low strength,
shrink -swell.
I
Urban land.
I
LgB------------------- !Poor:
Lignum ! low strength.
I
I
MaB2, MaD2------------ !Poor:
Madison ! low strength.
Sand
!Improbable:
! excess fines.
Improbable:
excess fines.
!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
I
!Improbable:
excess fines.
1
I
I
I
1
1
!Improbable:
! excess fines.
1
I
I
I
!Improbable:
! excess: fines.
Improbable:
excess fines.
!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
!Improbable:
! excess fines.
Improbable:
excess fines
I
!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
I
!Improbable:
excess fines.
' Gravel
I
I
I
I
I
;Improbable:
excess fines.
I
!
!Improbable:
excess fines.
!
I
I
I
!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
1
!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
1
1
I
I
I
;Improbable:
excess fines.
I
r
1
r
I
1
I
!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
I
I
!Improbable:
! excess fines.
!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
I
!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
Improbable:
excess fines.
!Improbable:
! excess fines.
!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
!Improbable:
! excess fines.
Topsoil
I
I
I
I
;Fair:
small stores,
too clayey.
1
I
!Fair:
small stones,
slope,
too clayey.
I
I
!Poor:
too clayey.
I
I
!Poor:
too clayey.
I
I
I
I
1
!Poor:
too clayey.
I
I
I
I
!
I
!Poor:
wetness.
I
I
1
I
!Good.
I
I
I
1
I
!Poor:
too clayey.
I
!Poor:
too clayey,
slope.
1
I
!Poor:
too clayey.
I
I
I
r
I
!Poor:
! too clayey.
!Poor:
too clayey.
r
!Poor:
too clayey.

Gaston County, North Carolina
TABLE 13.--CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS --Continued
I I 1 I
Map symbol and ; Roadfill ; Sand ; Gravel ; Topsoil
soil name
I I I
I I 1 1
1 I I I
-------1 I
MaE------------ ;Poor: ;Improbable:
Madison ; low strength. ; excess fines.
PaD2------------------ !Good
Pacolet
PaE------------------- !Fair:
Pacolet ! slope.
I
1
1
I
PaF------------------- !Poor:
Pacolet ! slope.
I
I
1
1
Pt.
Pits
1
Ro.
Rock outcrop
1
!
------------!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
I
!Improbable:
! excess fines.
TaB, TaD-------------- !Poor:
Tatum ! low strength.
TaE------------------- !Poor:
Tatum ! low strength
Ud.
Udorthents '
I
I
I
Ur. '
I
Urban land
I
UwF------------------- !Severe:
Uwharrie ! slope.
I
I
I
VaB, VaD-------------- ;Poor:
Vance ! low strength.
I
I
WeD------------------- !Good -----------------
Wedowee '
1
I
WkD------------------- !Poor:
Wilkes ! depth to rock,
thin layer.
I
WkF------------------- !Poor:
Wilkes ! depth to rock,
thin layer.
I
1
I
1
WnB, WnD-------------- !Fair:
Winnsboro ! area reclaim,
thin layer.
!Improbable:
excess fines.
1
I
I
1
1
1
I
I
I
!
Improbable:
excess fines.
!Improbable:
excess fines.
1
1
1
1
1
I
I
1
I
!Improbable:
excess fines.
1
Improbable:
excess fines.
Improbable:
excess fines.
Improbable:
excess fines.
!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
Improbable:
excess fines.
! !
WoA------------------- !Poor: !Improbable:
Worsham ! wetness, ! excess fines.
low strength.
;Improbable:
excess fines.
I
Improbable:
excess fines.
Improbable:
excess fines.
I
!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
1
1
1
1
I
I
I
!
!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
I
I
I
!Improbable:
excess fines.
1
1
1
1
I
1
1
I
1
1
!
!Improbable:
excess fines.
1
I
!Improbable:
excess fines.
1
I
!Improbable:
excess fines.
1
1
!Improbable:
excess fines.
1
I
1
I
!Improbable:
excess fines.
I
!
I
1
I
!Improbable:
excess fines.
1
1
1
I
!Improbable:
! excess fines.
;Poor:
too clayey,
slope.
I
!Poor:
! too clayey.
!Poor:
too clayey,
slope.
!Poor:
too clayey,
slope.
I
I
i
Poor:
small stones,
too clayey.
!Poor:
slope,
small. stones,
too clayey.
1
I
!
!Poor:
too clayey,
slope,
large stones.
I
I
!Poor:
! too clayey.
Poor:
too clayey.
!Poor:
thin layer,
depth to rock.
1
I
!Poor:
slope,
thin layer,
depth to rock.
I
!Poor:
area reclaim,
too clayey.
Poor:
wetness,
too clayey.

ME
Soil Survey
TABLE 14.--WATER MANAGEMENT
[Some terms that describe restrictive soil features are defined in the Glossary. See text for definitions of
"slight," "moderate," and "severe." Absence of an entry indicates that the soil was not evaluated. The
information in this table indicates the dominant soil condition; it does not eliminate the need for onsite
investigation]
Map symbol and ; Pond ; Embankments,
soil name ; reservoir ; dikes, and
areas : levees
AmB--------------- :Moderate:
!Severe:
Alamance Variant ; slope,
; piping.
depth to
rock.!
AmD--------------- !Severe:
',Severe:
Alamance Variant ; slope.
r
; piping.
r
ApB--------------- !Moderate:
!Severe:
Appling ; seepage,
; hard to pack.
slope.
CeB2-------------- ;Moderate:
Cecil ; seepage,
slope.
CeD2-------------- :Severe:
Cecil ! slope.
CfB:
Cecil ------------ !Moderate:
seepage,
slope.
Urban land.
CfD: i
Cecil ------------ !Severe:
slope.
Urban land.
r
r
CH ---------------- :Moderate:
Chewacla ; seepage.
r
r
i
Co ---------------- :Moderate:
Congaree : seepage.
GaB2-------------- !Moderate:
Gaston : seepage,
slope.
GaD2, GaE--------- :Severe:
Gaston : slope.
HeB--------------- !Moderate:
Helena : slope.
r
HuB: :
Helena ----------- :Moderate:
slope.
quiter-te
excavated
;Severe:
no water.
r
r
r
r
!Severe:
no water.
r
i
!Severe:
: no water.
r
r
Severe: :Severe:
hard to pack. ; no water.
!Severe: !Severe:
! hard to pack. ! no water.
Severe: !Severe:
hard to pack. ! no water.
!Severe:
hard to pack.
r
r
r
r
r
!Severe:
: piping,
hard to pack,
wetness.
Severe:
no water
reatures attectin --
erraces ,
Drainage ; and ; Grassed
diversions : waterways
Deep to water ;Erodes easily ;Erodes easily.
Deep to water
Deep to water
i
r
i
:Deep to water
i
r
:Deep to water
!Deep to water
r
r
r
i
r
i
r
r
r
i
r
i
!Deep to water
i
i r
!Slope, !Slope,
! erodes easily.! erodes easily.
:Favorable ------ :Favorable.
r r
r r
r r
!Favorable ------ !Favorable.
r r
r
r r
:Slope ---------- !Slope.
r
r
r
Favorable ------ ;Favorable.
r
r
r
r
i
r
r
r
r
r
i
Slope ---------- !Slope.
r � r
r r r r
!Moderate: !Flooding ------- !Wetness -------- :Wetness.
slow refill.
r r r r
i r r r
!Severe:
;Moderate:
;Flooding ------- ;Erodes easily, ;Erodes easily.
piping.
; deep to water.,:
; wetness.
slow refill.
r
r
r
r r
:Severe:
;Severe:
!Deep to water
!Favorable ------ !Favorable.
hard to
i
pack.
; no water.
i
r
r r
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Deep to water
;Slope ---------- !Slope.
hard to
r
pack.
; no water.
r
r
r r
!Severe:
!Severe:
:Peres slowly,
!Wetness, !Peres slowly.
! hard to
r
pack.
; no water.
r
! slope.
r
; peres slowly.
r r
r
r
!Severe:
r
r
!Severe:
i
i
;Peres slowly,
r r
r r
:Wetness, !Peres slowly.
hard to
pack.
; no water.
; slope.
; peres slowly.
r
r
r
r r

Gaston County, North Carolina
115
TABLE 14.--WATER MANAGEMENT --Continued
; Limitations for-- ; reatures attecting--
Map symbol and ; PondEmbankments, , Aquifer -fed , , Terraces I
soil name ; reservoir ; dikes, and ; excavated ; Drainage ; and ; Grassed
areas levees ponds ; i diversions ; waterways
HUB: I
,
,
Urban land.
LgB--------------- ;Moderate:
;Moderate:
;Severe:
Lignum ; slope.
; hard to
pack,
; no water.
wetness.
MaB2-------------- ;Moderate:
;Severe:
;Severe:
Madison ; seepage,
; hard to
pack.
; no water.
slope.
MaD2, MaE--------- ',Severe:
;Severe:
;Severe:
Madison ; slope.
; hard to
pack.
; no water.
PaD2-------------- ;Severe:
;Moderate:
;Severe:
Pacolet ; slope.
; piping.
; no water.
I
PaE, PaF---------- ;Severe:
;Moderate:
;Severe:
Pacolet ; slope.
; piping.
; no water.
Pt.
Pits
Ro.
Rock outcrop
TaB--------------- ;Moderate:
;Severe:
;Severe:
Tatum ; seepage,
; piping,
; no water.
depth to
rock,! hard to
pack.
slope.
I
,
I
,
I
I
TaD, TaE---------- ;Severe:
;Severe:
;Severe:
Tatum ; slope.
; piping,
; no water.
hard to
pack.
I
I
1
I
,
I
Ud. I
I
I
Udorthents
I
I
I
Ur.
Urban land
UwF--------------- !Severe
Uwharrie ; slope
VaB--------------- ;Moderate:
Vance i slope.
I
1
VaD--------------- ;Severe:
Vance ; slope.
WeD--------------- ;Severe:
Wedowee ; slope.
I
I
WkD, WkF---------- ;Severe:
Wilkes ; slope,
depth to rock.
I
WnB--------------- ;Moderate:
Winnsboro ; slope.
;Severe: ;Severe:
hard to pack, ; no water.
large stones.
',Severe: ;Severe:
hard to pack. ; no water.
Severe: ;Severe:
hard to pack. ; no water.
I
I
Moderate: ;Severe:
piping. no water.
I
I
Severe: ;Severe:
thin layer. ; no water.
I
;Severe: ;Severe:
piping, ; no water.
hard to pack.
;Slope, ;Erodes easily, ;Wetness,
peres slowly. ; wetness. ; erodes easily.
I I I
, I
;Deep to water
I
i
I
I
I
;Deep to water
1
I
I
;Deep to water
Deep to water
i
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
1
I
i
;Deep to water
I
I
1
I
I
I
I
;Deep to water
I
I
I
I
I
i
i
I
I
t
I
I
i
I
Deep to water
I
I
i
I
;Deep to water
I
I
;Deep to water
I
i
Deep to water
i
;Deep to water
Favorable ------ ;Favorable.
I I
I I
!Slope ---------- ;Slope.
I I
Slope ---------- ;Slope.
Slope ---------- ;Slope.
I
1
,
1
I
I
1
!Favorable ------ ',Favorable.
I I
I
I I
I 1
I I
I I
1 1
I 1
:Slope ---------- ;Slope.
I I
I
I I
;Slope, ;Large stones,
large stones. ; slope.
;Peres slowly ---;Peres slowly.
I I
I I
I I
;Slope, ;Slope,
peres slowly. ; peres slowly.
I I
;Slope ---------- ;Slope.
I I
1 I
1 1
;Slope, ;Slope,
depth to rock.; depth to rock.
I I
;Deep to water ;Peres slowly ---;Peres slowly.
I I I
I I 1
, I I
1 I
I I 1

Soil Survey
TABLE 14.--WATER MANAGEMENT --Continued
L1mltati.ons for--
; features attecting--
Map symbol and ; Pon
, Embankments,
,Aquifer -fed,
, Terraces
,
soil name ; reservoir
; dikes, and
i excavated
; Drainage ; and
; Grassed
areas
; levees
; ponds
; ; diversions
; waterways
r
r-
WnD--------------- !Severe:
!Severe:
!Severe:
!Deep to water !Slope,
;Slope,
Winnsboro ! slope.
! piping,
! no water.
! ! peres slowly.
! peres slowly.
hard to pack.
WoA--------------- :Slight --------- !Severe:
!Severe:
!Peres slowly ---!Erodes easily,
!Wetness,
Worsham !
! wetness.
! slow refill.
! ! wetness,
! erodes easily,
!
!
!
peres slowly.
! !
! peres slowly.
!

Gaston County, North Carolina
117
TABLE 15.--ENGINEERING INDEX PROPERTIES
[The symbol < means less than; > means more than. Absence of an entry indicates that data were not estimated.
Some soils have Unified clas"sification and USDA textures in addition to those shown. In general, the
dominant classifications and textures are shown]
i Classification ;Frag- ; Percentage passing
Map symbol and ;Depth; USDA texture ! , Iments I sieve number-- ;Liquid I Plas-
soil name I I I Unified ; AASHTO I >3 ; , I I ! limit ; ticity
I I I ! !inches! 4 ; 10 ; 40 1200 ; ; index
In , , , Pct , , Pct
I I I I I 1 I I I I 1
AmB, AmD--------- I 0-8 ;Gravelly loam----IML IA-4 ! 0-5 I80-95 I70-80 I60-80 I55-75 ! <30 ; NP-5
Alamance Variant! 8-271Cla.y loam, silty ICL, ML !A-4, A-6,1 0 195-100I90-100190-100180-100! 30-45 I 7-20
! ! clay loam, silt ! ! A"7 I I I I I I I
I ! I I I I I I I I I
loam. , , I , I 1 1 1 t
I27-45ILoam, silt loam, ICL, ML, !A-4, A-6,1 0 195-100185-100I80-100170-98 125-41 ! 5-15
I ! very fine sandy ! CL-ML ! A-7 ! ! ! ! ! !
I I I I I I I I I 1 1
loam.
I45-60!Weathered bedrock! 1 I 1 ---
I I I 1 I I I 1
I I I I I I I I I I
ApB-------------- I 0-10ISandy loam ------- ISM IA-2 ! 0-5 I86-100180-100155-91 I15-35 I <27 I NP-5
Appling I10-41ISandy clay, clay IMH, ML, CLIA-7 I 0-5 195-100I90-100170-95 151-80 141-74 ! 15-30
! ! loam, clay. I I I I I I I I I
41-48ISandy clay, clay ISC, CL IA-4, A-6,1 0-5 195-100I85-100170-90 I40-75 125-45 I 8-22
1 I I I I I I I I I
I loam, sandy clay, I A-7
! ! loam. I 1 I I I I I I I
I
I48-60!Variable--------- ! I 1 I ---
I I I I I I I I
I I I I 1 1 I 1 I
CeB2, CeD2------- ! 0-6 !Sandy clay loam ISM, SC, !A-4, A-6 ! 0-5 I74-100I72-100168-95 !38-81 121-35 ! 3-15
Cecil I ! ! CL, ML ! ! 1 ! ! ! ! !
! 6-58IClay, clay loam IMH, ML !A-7, A-5 ! 0-5 I97-100I92-100I72-99 I55-95 ! 41-80 ! 9-37
I58-80!Variable--------- !---
I I 1 I I I 1 I I I I
I I I 1 I 1 I I i I I
I 1 1 I I 1 I I I I 1
C fB, CfD:
Cecil ----------- I 0-6 (Sandy clay loam ISM, SC, !A-4, A-6 ! 0-5 174-100172-100168-95 138-81 121-35 ! 3-15
I ! I CL, ML I ! ! ! ! !
6-58!Clay, clay loam IMH, ML IA-7, A-5 I 0-5 197-100192-100172-99 155-95 141-80 ! 9-37
I58-80!Variable--------- !---
I I I 1 I I I I I I I
I I I 1 I 1 I I I I I
I 1 I 1 I I I I I 1 I
Urban land.
I I I I I I 1 I 1 1 I
CH---------------! 0-6 !Loam------------- !ML, CL, IA-4, A-6,I 0 I98-100I95-100I70-100I55-90 125-49 I 4-20
Chewacla
I 1 1 CL-ML I A-7 I I I I I I
, , I
! 6-45ISandy clay loam, ISM, SM-SC,IA-4, ! 0 196-100195-100I60-100136-70 120-45 ! NP-15
I ! clay loam, fine I ML, CL I A-7-61
I ! sandy loam. I I A-6
I45-60!Variable--------- ! I 1 1 ---
1 I I I 1 1 I 1
1 I I 1 I I I 1 I I
Co---------------! 0-8 (Loam ------------- lCL-ML, ML,!A-4 ! 0 l95-100l95-100I70-1.00I51-90 120-35 ! 3-10
Congaree I ! ! CL I I I I I I I
18-42ISilty clay loam, ISC, ML, IA-4, A-6,1 0 195-100195-100I70-100I40-90 ! 25-50 ! 3-22
! ! fine sandy loam,! CL, SM ! A-7 !
1 I I 1 I I 1 I I 1
loam. I I I 1 I I 1 I I
---
I42-62IVariable--------- !
1 1 1 I I I 1 I I I 1
I I I 1 1 I I I I I I
GaB2, GaD2------- 1 0-6 ISandy clay loam lCL, SC, IA-4, A-6 I 0-5 190-100184-100I75-95 I36-75 ! 25-40 ! 5-20
Gaston I I ! CL-ML, ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
I ! ! SM-SC I I I I I I I I
16-47IClay, clay loam ICL, CH, IA-7 ! 0-5 195-100!90-100I80-99 I65-90 140-75 ! 12-37
I I I ML, MH ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
147-57!Clay loam, sandy lCL, SC IA-4, A-6,I 0-5 190-100184-1.00I75-95 I36-75 125-50 ! 7-23
I 1 I I I I I I 1
, I Clay loam, loam.!1 I 1 A-7
I57-72IVariable--------- ! 1 1 I '--
I I I I 1 1 I 1
I I 1 1 I I I I I 1

ME.,
Soil Survey
TABLE 15.--ENGINEERING INDEX PROPERTIES --Continued
Classitication ;t'rag- ; Percentage passing
Map symbol and :Depth! USDA texture ; 1 lments ; sieve number-- !Liquid ; Plas-
soil name ; ! ; Unified ; AASHTO 1 >3 ; , 1 limit ; ticity
:inches! 4 ; 10 ; 40 ; 200 ; ; index
In 1 I , , Pct , I Pct ,
I 1 I 1 I 1 I I I I I
I I I I I I 1 1 1 I I
GaE--------------I 0-6 ;Loam-------------;SM, ML, !A-2, A-4 1 0-5 :90-100184-100180-95 :30-75 1 <30 1 NP-7
Gaston I I I CL-ML I I I I I I I I
16-471C1ay, clay loam ICL, CH, :A-7 1 0-5 195-100190-100180-99 :65-90 1 40-75 1 12-37
1 1 1 ML MH 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
I I I � I I I I I , I I
147-57:Clay loam, sandy 1CL, SC :A-4, A-6,I 0-5 190-100184-1.00175-95 :36-75 1 25-50 1 7-23
I I clay loam, loam.l I A-7 ! ! ! ! ! ! !
157-72:Variable---------! --- ; --- --- ; --- ; --- ! --- --- ; --- ; ---
I 1 I I I I 1 1 I I I
I I I I I I 1 1 I I I
HeB--------------: 0-8 ;Sandy loam ------- ISM, SM-SC,:A-2, A-4 1 0-5 195-100190-100151-90 126-46 1 <30 1 NP-9
I I 1 I I I I I I I I
Helena I 1 I SC I 1 I 1 I I I I
1 8-131Sandy clay loam, :CL, SC !A-6, A-7 1 0-5 :95-100195-100170-90 138-70 1 30-49 1 15-26
I I I I I I I I I I I
I clay loam. , , , 1 1 1 1 I I
:13-391C1ay loam, sandy 1CH :A-7 1 0-5 195-100195-100173-97 :56-86 1 50-85 24-50
I I 1 I I I I I 1 I
I Clay, clay. I I 1 1 I I I I I
139-60;Variable--------- : --- --- ; --- ; --- --- ; --- 1 --- -^- ! ---
I I 1 I I I 1 I 1 1 1
I 1 1 I 1 I 1 1 1 1 1
HuB. I I 1 1 I 1 I 1 1 I I
I I 1 I 1 I 1 I I 1 r
Helena----------1 0-8 !Sandy loam ------- ISM, SM-SC,:A-2, A-4 1 0-5 195-100190-100151-90 126-46 1 <30 1 NP-9
1 I I SC I I I I I I I I
r 1 I , I I 1 I I I I
1 8-13:Sandy clay loam, :CL, SC 1A-6, A-7 1 0-5 195-100195-100170-90 138-70 1 30-49 1 15-26
I 1 I I I I I I I I I
clay loam. , I I I I 1 1 r 1
113-391C1ay loam, sandy ;CF1 1A-7 1 0-5 195-100195-100!73-97 156-86 1 50-85 1 24-50
I I clay, clay. ' ' ' I I I I I I
1 I Y/ Y• 1 I I I I I I 1 I
139-60:Variable--------- : --- ; --- 1 --- --- ! --- --- --- --- 1 ---
1 1 I I I 1 1 1 1 1 I
I I I 1 1 I I 1 I 1 I
Urban land.
1 I I I I I 1 I I I 1
LgB--------------- 1 0-4 ;Silt loam -------- :CL :A-4, A-6 1 0 :95-100195-100180-100155-90 1 20-35 1 9-19
Lignum 1 4-361Silty clay loam, :CH, CL :A-7 ; 0-5 180-1.00175-95 170-85 155-85 1 45-65 1 22-36
: { silty clay, I ! ! ! ! ! ! !
: clay. I ! ! ! ! ! ! !
!36-60IVariable--------- I --- ! I I I I ---
I I I 1 I I
I 1 I I I I I
MaB2, MaD2-------1 0-4 !Sandy clay loam ICL, ML IA-4, A-6 1 0-3 190-100185-1.00!70-95 150-80 1 20-40 1 7-20
Madison 1 4-28:Clay, clay loam, IMF, ML 1A-7 1 0-3 190-100185-100:75-97 :57-85 1 43-75 1 12-35
I 1 I I I I I I I I I
, , Sandy Clay. 1 I I I I I 1 I I
128-36:Loam, sandy clay :CL IA-4, A-6 1 0-3 190-100185-100!70-95 :50-80 1 20-40 1 7-20
1 1 1 I I I I I I I I
loam, clay loam.! I 1 1 I I I I I
136-60:Variable--------- ! --- ! --- --- ! "-- 1 ^-- ! --- ! --- --- 1 1 I ---
1 I I 1 I I I 1
1 I I 1 I 1 I 1 I 1
MaE-------------- 1 0-5 :Sandy loam ------- ISM IA-2, A-4 0-3 185-100180-100160-90 :26-49 1 <35 I UP-8
Madison 1 5-31:Clay, clay loam, !MH, ML :A-7 1 0-3 190-100185-100175-97 157-85 1 43-75 : 12-35
I 1 I I I I I I I I 1
I 1 sandy Clay. I I I 1 I I I , I
131-38:Loam, sandy clay :CL 1A-4, A-6 1 0-3 190-100185-100170-95 150-80 1 20-40 1 7-20
1 1 loam, clay loam.! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
138-60!Variable--------- i --- ! --- --- : --- : --- : --- : --- --- 1 I ---
I I I I I 1 1 I 1
I I I I I I I I I
PaD2------------- 1 0-4 :Sandy clay loam 1SM-SC, SC !A-4, A-6 1 0-1 195-100190-100!65-85 136-50 1 20-40 1 4-17
Pacolet 1 4-28:Sandy clay, clay 1ML, MH :A-6, A-7 1 0-1 180-100180-100160-95 151-75 1 38-65 1 11-30
1 1 loam, clay. I i 1 I I I I I I
128-36:Clay loam, sandy :CL, CI,-ML,:A-2, A-4,: 0-2 180-100170-100160-80 130-60 1 20-35 1 5-15
I : clay loam, sandy! SM-SC, SC1 A-6 ! ! ! ! ! ! !
1 ! loam. I I I I I 1 1 I I
1
136-60:Variable--------- ! --- ! --- ! --- ! --- ! --- ! --- ! --- : --- ! I I I ---
I I 1 I I 1 1 I
I I I I 1 I I I

Gaston County, North Carolina
ow
TABLE 15.--ENGINEERING INDEX PROPERTIES --Continued
i i i Classification ;Frag- ; Percentage passing
Map symbol and ;Depth; USDA texture 1 , lments 1 sieve number-- !Liquid ; Plas-
soil name ! I ! Unified ; AASHTO 1 >3 1 1 limit ; ticity
,
! ! ! ! ;inches; 4 ! 10 1 40 ! 200 ; ; index
11R j j j j YCL
11 1 I 1
1 I I I I
PaE, PaF---------1 0-5 ;Sandy loam ------- ISM, SM-SC 1A-2, 1 0-2
Pacolet ; 1 1 I A-1-b, 1
Pt.
Pits
Ro.
I 1 1 1
Rock outcrop
I I I I
I I 1 I
TaB, TaD, TaE----I 0-6 ;Gravelly loam----1GM, ML, SM1A-4
Tatum 1 6-481C1ay loam, silty IMH, CH 1A•-7
I I clay, clay. I I
148-581Variable--------- I --- 1 ---
158-621Weathered bedrock; --- I ---
I I I I
I
Ud. ' ' ' '
I I I 1
Udorthents ' ' ' '
1 I I I
1 5-271Sandy clay, clay !ML, MH 1A-6, A-7 1 0-1
1 1 loam, clay. I I I
127-39!Clay loam, sandy 1CL, CL-ML,IA-2, A-4,1 0-2
1 1 clay loam, sandy! SM-SC, SC1 A-6 1
1 1 loam. 1 I I
139-601Variable--------- 1 --- 1 --- 1 ---
I I I I I
I
I I I I I
I
I I I 1 1
I 1 I I I I 1 1 I
I 1 I I I
I I 1 1 I
I I I I I
I I I I 1
I I I I I
I I I 1 1
I I 1 I I
I I I I I
1 0-10 160-80 155-75 145-75 140-70
1 5 175-100175-98 160-96 155-90
I I I I I
I I I I I
I I 1 1 I
1 I I I I I
1 1
185-100180-100142-80 116-35 1 <28 1 NP-7
1 I t I I 1
I I I 1 1 I
180-100180-100160-95 151-75 1 38-65 1 11-30
1 1 1 1 1 1
180-100170-100160-80 130-60 1 20-35 1 5-15
1 1 I I I
1 I I I I
I I I I I
1 I I 1 1
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
22-36 I 2-10
50-80 110-36
1
I
I
I
!
I
I 1 1 1 i i i i i i i
I 1 I I I I I 1 1 I I
Ur. I I I 1 1 I I I 1 I 1
Urban land
I 1 I I I I I I I I 1
I I I I I I 1 1 I I I
I 1 1 I I I I I I I 1
UwF--------------1 0-4 !Stony loam ------- 1ML, CL, 1A-4 115-35 190-100185-100165-100151-98 1 <40 1 NP-10
Uwharrie ; I I CL-ML I I I I I I I I
1 4-301Silty clay, clay 1MH, ML, IA-4, A-6 ; 0-10 195-100190-100170-100160-95 1 35-70 1 20-40
1 1 loam, clay. 1 CL 1 A-7 ! I I I I I I
l30-401C1ay loam, silt 1CL, ML, IA-4, A-6,1 0-10 195-100185-200170-95 160-95 1 25-48 1 6-20
I I loam, silty clay) CL-ML 1 A-7 i I I I I I I
1 1 loam. I I I I I I I I I ,
40-501Variable--------- I --- I --- I --- I --- I --- I --- I --- I --- I ---
I I I I I
VaB, VaD--------- 1 0-5 ISandy loam ------- ISM, SM-SC IA-2, A-4 1 0-5
Vance 1 5-371C1ay loam, sandy :CH IA-7 1 0-5
I I clay, clay. I I I
137-601Variable--------- I --- I --- I ---
I I I I I
1
WeD-------------- 1 0-7 !Sandy loam ------- ISM, SM-SC !A-4, I 0
Wedowee I I I I A-2-4 1
1 7-10lLoam, sandy clay ISM, SC, !A-4, A-6 1 0
I I loam. 1 CL, ML I I
11.0-241Sandy clay, clay ISC, ML, !A-6, A-7 1 0
I I loam, clay. I CL, MH I I
124-33lSandy clay loam, ISC, CL, ML1A-4, A-6 1 0
I 1 clay loam, loam.! I I
133-621Variable--------- 1 --- I --- ! ---
I I I I I
I I
190-100180-100155-80 115-40 1 <27 I NP-7
195-100190-100175-95 165-80 1 51-80 1 25-48
I 1 1 I 1 I
I I I 1 I 1
I 1 i I I 1
I I I I I I
1 1 I I I I
195-100190-100!60-99 123-50 1 <30 1 NP-6
I I I I I I
I
190-100190-100180-97 140-75 1 <32 1 NP-15
I I I I I I
I
195-100195-100165-97 145-75 1 30-58 1 10-25
I I I I I I
1
!90-100190-100180-95 140-75 1 <32 1 5-15
WkD, WkF--------- 1 0-6 ILoam------------- 1ML, SM IA-2, A-4 1 0-10 190-100180-100160-92 125-55 1 <35 1 NP-7
Wilkes 1 6-151C1ay loam, clay, ICL, CH IA-6, A-7 1 0-10 180-100180-100175-96 150-85 1 30-60 1 1.1-35
1 1 1 1 1
sandy clay loam., , I , I I I I I
115-60!Weathered bedrock! --- I --- I --- I --- I --- I --- I --- I --- I ---
1 ! 1 I I 1 I 1 I I 1

120
Soil Survey
TABLE 15.--ENGINEERING INDEX PROPERTIES --Continued
Classification ;Frag- ; Percentage passing
Map symbol and ;Depth; USDA texture , iments ; sieve number-- ;Liquid ; Plas-
soil name ; i ; Unified ; AASHTO ; >3 ; , , , , limit ; ticity
!inches: 4 10 40 i 200 i index
1 In , Pct , , , , Pc
WnB, WnD--------- ; 0-8 !Loam ------------- ;ML, CL-ML „ A-4, A-6 ; 0-1 195-100;90-100;75-95 151-80 ; 20-40 ; 3-20
Winnsboro i i i CL
8-28;Clay, clay loam ;CH ;A-7 ; 0-5 190-100185-1.00175-95 165-95
28-361Clay loam, sandy ;CL, SC, ML;A-4, A-6 „ 0-5 190-1,00185-100:60-90 :36-80
clay loam, loam.; MH , A-7
36-60IVariable---------i
WoA--------------; 0-6 jLoam------------- ;CL, CL-ML ;A-4, A-6 ; 0-5 190-100185-100170-100150-90
Worsham ; 6-451Sandy clay loam, ;SC, CH, CL;A-2, A-7 ; 0-5 ;90-100;85-100170-1.00130-95
sandy clay,
clay.
45-60;Sandy loam, sandy;SC, CL iA-2, A-4 „ 0-10 190-95 180-95 150-90 130-70
clay loam, clay 1 ; A-6, A-7
loam.
51-92 ; 25-55
25-50 ; 3-20
20-35 ; 4-12
42-66 22-40
20-50 ; 8-30

Gaston County, North Carolina
121
TABLE 16.--PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SOILS
[The symbol < means less than. Entries under "Erosion factors--T" apply to the entire profile. Entries under
"Organic matter" apply only to the surface layer. Absence of an entry indicates that data were not
available or were not estimated]
I 1
Map symbol and ;Depth;
soil name ; ;
!
Clay
I I
! Moist !Permeability
; bulk ;
; density ;
I I I I Erosion ,
!Available! Soil ;Shrink -swell ; factors ; Organic
! water. !reaction! potential ;-�- ; matter
;capacity ; ; ; K ; T
n ,
Pct
, g/cc ,
In r
, In/in , PH
Pct
I I
I I
1 I
I I I
1
AmB, AmD---------! 0-8 !
5-20
11.10-1.401
0.6-2.0
10.10-0.1314.5-7.3
;Low ---------- 10.28!
4 ! .5-2
Alamance Variant! 8-271
18-35
:1.20-1.401
0.6-2.0
10.15-0.2014.5-5.5
;Low ---------- 10.43!
!
127-451
5-20
11.20-1.401
0.6-2.0
10.15-0.1814.5-5.5
!Low ---------- 10.43!
!
145-601
1 I
---
! --- !
1 I
---
i --- ; ---
I I
l-------------l----!
!
I I
ApB--------------! 0-101
5-20
1 I
11.40-1.651
2.0-6.0
1 1
10.10-0.1514.5-5.5
I I I
I I 1
!Low ---------- l0.24!
I
I
4 ! .5-2
Appling 110-411
35-60
:1.25-1.451
0.6-2.0
10.15-0.1714.5-5.5
!Low ---------- l0.20!
!
141-481
20-50
11.25-1.45:
0.6-2.0
10.12-0.1614.5-5.5
!Low ---------- 10.24!
!
148-601
---
! --- !
---
i --- i ---
l------------- i----!
!
I I
CeB2, CeD2-------! 0-6 !
20-35
1 I
11.30-1.501
0.6-2.0
I I
:0.13-0.1514.5-6.0
I 1 1
!Low ---------- 10.28!
1
4 ! .5-1
Cecil ! 6-581
35-70
11.30-1.50!
0.6-2.0
10.13-0.1514.5-5.5
lI,ow---------- 10.28!
158-801
---
! ---
---
--- ---
l------------- i ----!
!
I I
I I
1 I
1 1
1 I
I I
I I 1
I I
I
CfB, CfD: ! !
! !
! !
I
! ! !
I
!
Cecil-----------! 0-6 !
20-35
:1.30-1.501
0.6-2.0
10.13-0.1514.5-6.0
;Low ---------- l0.28!
4 ! .5-1
! 6-581
35-70
11.30-1.501
0.6-2.0
10.13-0.1514.5-5.5
:Low ---------- :0.28!
!
l58-80,
---
; --- �
---
I I
, --- , ---
I------------- ' ---- I
1 I I
I
I
I I
I I
I I
1 I
I 1
I 1 I
I
Urban land. I I
I I
I I
1 I
1 I I
I I 1
1
1
1 1
I 1
I 1
I 1
I I 1
I
CH---------------! 0-6 !
10-27
I I
11.30-1.601
0.6-2.0
1 I
10.15-0.2414.5-6.5
I I I
:Low ---------- 10.28!
1
5 ! 1-4
Chewacla ! 6-451
18-35
11.30-1.601
0.6-2.0
10.12-0.20:4.5-6.5
:Low ---------- 10.28!
145-601
---
! --- !
---
i --- i ---
l------------- l ----!
!
I I
I I
I I
I I 1
I
Co---------------! 0-8 !
10-25
11.20-1.401
0.6-2.0
:0.12-0.2014.5-7.3
!Low ---------- 10.37!
5 ! <4
Congaree ! 8-421
18-35
11.20-1.501
0.6-2.0
10.12-0.2014.5-7.3
!Low ---------- 10.37!
!
142-621
---
! --- !
---
! --- i ---
l------------- l ----!
!
t I
I I
I 1
1 I I
I
I I
GaB2, GaD2------- ! 0-6 !
20-40
I I
11.30-1.601
0.6-2.0
I I
:0.12-0.1615.1-6.5
I 1 I
!Low ---------- 10.28!
I
4 ! .5-3
Gaston ! 6-47!
35-70
:1.30-1.601
0.6-2.0
10.12-0.1615.1-6.5
!Moderate ----- :0.24!
!
147-571
20-40
11.30-1.601
0.6-2.0
10.10-0.1515.1-6.5
:Low ---------- 10.281
!
157-721
---
! --- !
---
i --- ! ---
i-------------i----i
!
1 I
I
I I
1
I I
I I 1
1
I
GaE-------------- ! 0-6 !
15-27
I
11.20-1.501
2.0-6.0
1 I
10.14-0.1815.1-6.5
I I I
!Low ---------- 10.32!
I
4 ! .5-3
Gaston ! 6-471
35-70
11.30-1.601
0.6-2.0
10.12-0.1615.1-6.5
!Moderate ----- 10.24!
!
147-57!
20-40
11.30-1.601
0.6-2.0
10.10-0.1515.1-6.5
!Low ---------- 10.28!
!
157-721
---
! ---
---
! --- ! ---
------------- ----!
!
1 I
HeB-------------- ! 0-8 ;
5-20
1 1
11.58-1.621
2.0-6.0
I I
10.10-0.12!4.5-6.5
1 I I
!Low ---------- !0.20!
I
3 ! .5-2
Helena ! 8-13!
20-35
11.46-1.561
0.2-0.6
l0.13-0.1514.5-6.5
;Moderate ----- 10.28!
!
113-391
35-60
:1.44-1.551
0.06-0.2
10.13-0.1514.5-5.5
!High --------- :0.28!
!
139-601
---
---
I 1 1
---
I --- I
I ,---
1------------- I
I I I
1'----
I
I I
HuB: 1 1
1 1
I I
I I
I I
I I
I I
I I
I I I
I I I
I I 1
I
I
I
Helena----------! 0-8 !
5-20
:1.58-1.621
2.0-6.0
10.10-0.1214.5-6.5
!Low ---------- 10.20!
3 ! .5-2
! 8-131
20-35
11.46-1.561
0.2-0.6
:0.13-0.1514.5-6.5
!Moderate ----- 10.28!
!
113-391
35-60
11.44-1.551
0.06-0.2
10.13-0.1514.5-5.5
!High --------- 10.28!
!
139-601
! !
---
! --- !
! !
---
! --- ! ---
! !
l------------- l ----!
! ! !
!
!
Urban land. ! !
! !
! !
! ! !
!
I I
I I
I 1
1
I I
I I I
I
1
LgB--------------! 0-4 !
10-25
1
11.20-1.501
0.6-2.0
1 I
10.14-0.2014.5-5.5
I I I
!Low ---------- !0.43!
3 ! .5-2
Lignum ! 4-361
35-55
!1.25-1.551
<0.06
:0.10-0.1814.5-5.5
!Moderate ----- 10.28!
!
136-601
---
! --- !
---
! --- ! ---
l-------------l----!
!
I 1
I I
I I
I 1
I 1
I I
1 1 I
I 1 1
I
1

122
Soil Survey
TABLE 16.--PHYSICAL, AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SOILS --Continued
I I
Map symbol and !Depth!
soil name ; ;
Clay
It
; Moist ;Permeability
; bulk ;
density ;
! i i i Erosion
!Available! Soil ;Shrink -swell ! factors ; Organic
! water ;reaction; potential !--! matter
!capacity ! ! ! K ; T
In
Pc
, g/cc I
In hr
; In/in pH
i i i
i Pct
-
I I
I I
I I
I I I
I
I I
MaB2, MaD2-------! 0-4 !
25-35
I I
11.30-1.401
0.6-2.0
I 1
:0.12-0.16:4.5-6.0
I I
;Low
!Low----------l0.28!
1
4 ! .5-2
Madison ! 4-281
30-50
11.20-1.40!
0.6-2.0
l0.13-0.18l4.5-5.5
;:Low ---------- l0.32!
!
128-361
25-35
11.30-1.401
0.6-2.0
l0.12-0.16l4.5-5.5
;:Low ---------- 10.28!
!
136-601
---
! --- !
---
! --- ! ---
l-------------l----!
!
I I
I 1
1 I
I
1 I 1
1 I
Il4.5-6.0
I
1
I I
MaE-------------- ! 0-5 !
5-15
I 1
!1.45-1.651
2.0-6.0
l0.11-0.15I
;Low----------110.241
4 ; .5-2
Madison ! 5-311
30-50
11.20-1.401
0.6-2.0
l0.13-0.18l4.5-5.5
;;Low ---------- l0.32!
!
131-38!
25-35
11.30-1.401
0.6-2.0
l0.12-0.16l4.5-6.0
;;Low ---------- 10.28!
!
138-601
I 1
---
--- !
1 I
---
{ --- ---
I I
l-------------i----!
1 I I
!
I
I I
PaD2------------- ! 0-4 !
20-35
1 I
11.30-1.501
0.6-2.0
I
I l0.10-0.14:4.5-6.5
I I
;Low
;Low----------:0.24!
I
2 ! .5-1
Pacolet ! 4-28!
35-65
11.30-1.50!
0.6-2.0
10.12-0.1514.5-6.0
!'Low ---------- 10.28!
!
128-361
15-30
!1.20-1.501
0.6-2.0
l0.08-0.15l4.5-6.0
;:Low ---------- l0.28!
!
136-601
I 1
---
! --- ;
1 1
---
--- ; ---
I I
;-------------l----!
I I 1
!
I
I I
PaE, PaF--------- ! 0-5 !
8-20
I I
11.00-1.501
2.0-6.0
I
l0.08-0.12I
l4.5-6.5
I I I
;Low---------- l0.20!
I
3 ! .5-2
Pacolet ! 5-27!
35-65
:1.30-1.50!
0.6-2.0
l0.12-0.15l4.5-6.0
;;Low ---------- 10.28!
!Low
127-391
15-30
11.20-1.501
0.6-2.0
l0.08-0.15l4.5-6.0
---------- l0.28!
!
39-601
1 I
---
! --- !
I I
---
; --- ! ---
I I
l-------------;----!
1 1 I
!
I
Pt. ! !
! !
!
!
Pits
1 1
I I
I I
I I I
I
I I
Ro.
I I
I I
I I I
I
Rock outcrop I I
I I
I 1
1 I
I 1
I I
1 I I
I I I
I
I
I I
TaB, TaD, TaE----; 0-6 !
12-27
I I
11.10-1.40:
0.6-2.0
I 1
:0.10-0.1714.5-5.5
I I
:Low
;Low----------l0.24!
!Moderate
I
4 ; .5-2
Tatum ! 6-481
35-60
11.40-1.601
0.6-2.0
l0.10-0.19l4.5-5.5
----- 10.28!
148-581
---
! --- !
---
! --- ! ---
l-------------i ----!
!
158-621
I 1
---
! --^ !
I I
---
! --- ! ---
I I
l-------------l----!
I I I
I I
!
I
I
I I
Ud.
I I
I I
1
Udorthents ! !
I I
! !
I I
! !
I I
! ! !
I I 1
1
!
I
I
I I
Ur.
1 I
I I
I I
Urban land 1 1
1 1
I I
I I I
1
I I
I I
I I
I I I
I I
I
I
I I
UwF-------------- ! 0-4 i
10-27
I I
11.20-1.501
0.6-2.0
I I
10.08-0.1214.5-6.0
I
:Low ---------- l0.20!
4 ! .2-5
Uwharrie ! 4-301
35-75
11.25-1.551
0.6-2.0
10.12-0.1614.5-6.0
;Moderate--•----l0.28;
!
130-40!
15-60
11.30-1.601
0.6-2.0
l0.12-0.16:4.5-6.0
:Moderate ----- 10.28i
!
140-501
1 I
---
! --- !
I I
---
; --- ! ---
1 I
l-------------;----!
I 1 I
!
I
I I
VaB, VaD----------! 0-5 !
8-20
1 1
11.45-1.701
2.0-6.0
I 1
l0.10-0.1414.5-7.3
I I 1
!Low ---------- l0.24!
1
4 ! .5-2
Vance ! 5-371
35-60
11..25-1.40!
0.06-0.2
:0.12-0.1514.5-5.5
;Moderate ----- 10.28!
!
137-601
---
! ---
---
i --- ! ---
l-------------l----!
1 I
1 1
I I
I I I
I
1
1
I I
WeD--------------i 0-7 !
6-20
I I
11.25-1.601
2.0-6.0
I I
10.10-0.1814.5-5.5
1 I
!Low ---------- :0.24:
3 ! <1
Wedowee ! 7-10:
14-30
11.30-1.55!
0.6-2.0
10.12-0.1814.5-5.5
!Low ---------- l0.28!
!
110-241
35-45
11.30-1.50:
0.6-2.0
10.12-0.1814.5-5.5
!Moderate ----- 10.28!
!
24-33!
15-35
11.30-1.551
0.6-2.0
:0.12-0.18:4.5-5.5
!Low ---------- 10.28!
!
133-621
---
! --- 1 '
---
' --- ' ---
I 1
'-------------'----I
I 1 I
1
I
I
I I I
1
I I
WkD, WkF--------- ! 0-6 !
5-20
I I
11.30-1.50!
2.0-6.0
I
;0.11-0.15l5.1-6.5
!Low ---------- 10.24!
1 ! .5-2
Wilkes ! 6-15!
20-40
11.40-1.601
0.2-0.6
10.15-0.2016.1-7.8
!Moderate ----- l0.321
!
!15-601
---
! --- !
---
! --- ! ---
l-------------I----!
!
I I
1 1
I I
I I
I I
I I
1 1 I
I I 1
I
I

Gaston County,
North Carolina
TABLE 16.--PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SOILS --Continued
123
, ,
, ,
, ,
, , Erosion ,
Map symbol and
;Depth;
Clay
; Moist ;Permeability
;Available; Soil
;Shrink -swell ; factors ;
Organic
soil name
; ;
bulk ;
; water ;reaction; potential ;�—;
matter
density ;
;capacity
K i T
In ,
Pct
, g/cc ,
In hr
, In in , pH
, ,
Pct
WnB, WnD---------; 0-8 ;
10-25
;1.20-1.40;
0.6-2.0
10.15-0.2015.1-6.5
!Low ---------- 10.321 3 i
.5-2
Winnsboro
; 8-281
35-60
11.20-1.501
0.06-0.2
:0.15-0.2016.1-7.8
!High --------- 10.20
28-361
15-35
11.30-1.60:
0.2-0.6
:0.15-0.2016.1-7.8
;Moderate-----;0.28
36-601
---
1 --- i
---
i --- ; ---
i-------------i----
WoA--------------; 0-6 ;
10-25
11.25-1.551
0.6-2.0
:0.14-0.2014.5-5.5
!Low ---------- 10.371 4 ;
1-3
Worsham
; 6-451
30-55
;1.35-1.65;
<0.06
10.10-0.1614.5-5.5
;Moderate ----- :0.28
45-601
10-40
11.20-1.501
0.2-0.6
10.08-0.1914.5-5.5
;Moderate ----- ;0.28
I 1
I 1
I 1
I 1 1 I

124
Soil Survey
TABLE 17.--SOTL AND WATER FEATURES
["Flooding" and "water table" and terms such as "frequent," "brief," "apparent," and "perched" are explained in
the text. The symbol > means more than. Absence of an entry indicates that the feature .is not a concern
or that data were not estimated)
I
; Flooding
; High water table ; HedrocX
; Risk of corrosion
Map symbol and ;Hydro-!
I I
I , 1
I
soil name !
logic! Frequency ; Duration
!Months ; Depth ; Kind
;Months !Depth:Hard-
:Uncoated ;Concrete
'group
I
' '
1
' ' '
1
' ' ' ness
1 I ,
' '
, steel ,
I
I I
1 t I
I I I
In I
I I I
I I
I I
I
AmB, AmD----------!
B
I I
;None--------! ---
I 1 I
! --- ! >6.0 ; ---
I I I
! --- l40-60ISoft
I I
!Moderate ;High.
I
I
Alamance Variant
I I
I I 1
I 1 I
I
I
1 I
I 1 I
1 1 I
I I
I
I
ApB--------------- !
B
I I
!None--------! ---
1 1 I
! --- ! >6.0 ! ---
I 1 I
! --- >60 ; ---
1
!Moderate ;Moderate.
I
Appling I
I
I 1
I I
I I
I I I
1 1 I
I I I
I 1 I
I I 1
1 I I
1 I
I I
I I
CeB2, CeD2--------!
B
!None--------! ---
! --- ! >6.0 ; ---
--- ! >60 ! ---
:Moderate !Moderate.
I
Cecil I
I
I I
I
1 I
I I I
I I
I I 1
I 1 I
I I I
I I I
I 1
I I
I 1
I
CfB, CfD:
Cecil------------!
I
B
I I
!None--------! ---
I I
I I I
! --- ! >6.0 ! '--
I 1 1
I I I
! --- ! >60 ! ---
I I I
I I
!Moderate !Moderate.
I I
I
Urban land.
I
I 1
I I
I I I
1 I I
I I I
I I 1
I I
1 I
CH----------------!
C
!Frequent ---- !Brief ----- !Nov-Apr:0.5-1.5lApparent!Nov-Apr; >60 ---
!High ----- !Moderate.
I
Chewacla
I
I I
1 I
I I I
I I 1
I I I
I 1 I
I I
I I
Co----------------!
B
lOccasi.onal !Brief ----- !Nov-Apr!2.5-4.0!Apparent:Nov-Apr! >60 ! ---
!Moderate !Moderate.
I
Congaree I
1 I
1 I
I I 1
1 I I
I 1 I
I I I
I I
I I
I
I I
I 1 I
I I I
I 1
1 1
I I
I
GaB2, GaD2, GaE---'
,
C
1 I
!None--------! ---
I I I
! --- ! >6.0 ! ---
1 1 I
I
! --- ! >60 ! ---
1 I I
:High ----- !Moderate.
I I
I
Gaston
I
1 1
I I
I 1 I
I I I
I I
I
HeB---------------!
C
I I
!None--------! ---
I I I
! --- !1.5-2.5;Perched
I I I
!Jan -Apr! >60 ! ---
I I
!High ----- !High.
Helena
I
I I
I I I
1 I 1
1 1
I
I
HuB:
Helena-----------i
I
C
I I
1 1
!None--------! ---
I I
I I I
1 I I
1
! --- :1.5-2.5:Perched
I I 1
I I I
I 1 I
1 I
:Jan -Apr! >60 ! ---
I I I
I I
I I
I
!High ----- !High.
1 I
1
Urban land.
i
1 1
I I
I I I
I I I
I I I
I I I
I I
I I
LgB---------------!
C
I I
!None--------! ---
I I I
! --- :1.0-2.5:Perched
I I I
!Dec -May! >60 !Hard
I
I I
!High ----- !High.
I I
I
Lignum
I
1 1
I 1
I I I
I I I
I I
I I I
I 1
MaB2, MaD2, MaE---!
B
!None--------! ---
! --- ! >6.0 ! ---
! -'- ! >60 : ---
:High ----- !Moderate.
I
Madison
I
I I
I I
I 1 I
I I 1
1 1 1
I I I
I I
I I
I
PaD2, PaE, PaF----!
B
I I
!None--------! ---
I I I
! --- >6.0 ! ---
1 I I
1 I 1
! --- ! >60 ! ---
I I I
I I
:High ----- !High.
I I
I
Pacolet ,
I
I I
I I
I I I
I
I I I
I 1 1
I 1
1 I
1
I
Pt. I
I I
1 I
1
I 1
I 1 I
I I
I 1 I
I
I I
I
Pits 1
I
1 I
I I
I I I
I I 1
I
1 I I
I I I
1 I I
I I
I I
1 1
I
I
Ro. I
I I
I 1
I
1 1
I I I
I I
1 I I
I I
1 I
I
Rock outcrop
I
I I
1 I I
I I I
1 I
I
TaB, TaD, TaE ----- !
B
I I
:None--------! ---
I I I
! --- ! >6.0 ! ---
I I I
I 1 1
! --- 140-60!Soft
I I I
I I
!High ----- !High.
I I
I
Tatum
I
I 1
I I
I 1 I
1 I I
I I
I
Ud. I
I I
1
I I 1
I I
I 1
1 1 I
I
I 1 I
I 1
I
I 1
1
Udorthents
I
I I
I I
I
I I I
I 1 I
1 1
I
Ur.
I 1
I I I
I I I
I I I
I 1
I I
I
Urban land I
I
I I
I
I I
I I I
I I I
I I I
1 1
I I I
I
1 1

Gaston County, North Carolina
125
TABLE 17.--SOIL AND WATER FEATURES --Continued
; Flooding
! High water table
1 Bedrock
I Risk of corrosion
Map symbol and ;Hydro-!
soil name ! logic; Frequency ! Duration
!Months ! Depth ! Kind !Months
lDepth:Hard-
;Uncoated ;Concrete
!group ; ;
! ! ! !
! ; ness
; steel
I I 1
I I t 1 1
I n
1 1 I
1
I I I 1
t 1
1 I
I I
UwF---------------! B !None--------! ---
I 1 I I
; --- ; >6.0 --- ; ---
1 I
l40-60:Soft
I I
I 1
,Moderate ,Moderate.
Uwharrie 1 I 1
I I I
I 1 I
1 1 1
I
I I 1 t
I I
1 I
I 1
I I
VaB, VaD---------- ! C ;None--------! ---
I I 1 I
; --- ; >6.0 ; --- ; ---
I I
; >60 i ---
1 I
!High ----- !High.
Vance I
I I
1 1 I I 1 I I I
1
I
I 1
I I
I I 1 1 I 1 I I
WeD---------------! B
!None--------! ---
I I I I I I 1 I
! --- ! >6.0 ! --- ! --- ! >60 ! --- !Moderate !High.
Wedowee I
I
I I
I I
I I I I I 1 I t
I
WkD, WkF----------! C
I I
!None--------! ---
I I I I 1 I I I
I 1 I I I I I 1
! --- ! >6.0 ! --- ! --- 110-201Soft !Moderate !Moderate.
Wilkes I
1 I
I I I I I I I I
I
I
1 I
I I
I I 1 1 I 1 I I
WnB, WnD---------- ! D
!None--------! ---
I 1 1 1 I I 1 I
! --- ! >6.0 ! --- ! --- ! >60 ! --- :High ----- !Low.
Winnsboro I
1 I
I I I I I I I I
I
I
I 1
I I
1 I I I 1 1 I 1
WoA---------------! D
!None--------! ---
1 I I I I I I 1
! --- ! 0-1.0:ApparentlNov-Apr! >60 ! --- !High ---- !Moderate.
Worsham I
I
I I
1 1
1 I I I I I I I
I I I I I I I 1

TABLE 18.--ENGINEERING INDEX TEST DATA
[Dashes indicate data were not available. NP means nonplastic. Soils sampled are the typical pedons for the soil
series. See the section "Soil Series and Their_ Morphology" for location of pedon sample]
Soil name,
_
Grain -size,
distribution
, , Moisture
, ,
Licruid,Plasti-, density
report. number,
Classification
; Percentage
Percentage
;limit ; city ;Maximum,Opti-
horizon, and
; ; passing sieve--
; smaller than-- ; ; index
depth in inches
i AASHTO ; Unified No. No. No.
No. i .02 .005�
.0021 i idersitylmoist-
4 , 10 , 40 ,
200 , mm , mm ,
mm , , ture
Pet i i Lb/ft3I Pct
Cecil sandy clay
loam:
(S80NC-071-001)
Ap--------- 0 to 6 A-4(3)
Btl--------- 6 to 26 ; A-7-5(19)
C--------- 58 to 80 ; A-7-5(8)
Gaston sandy clay ; !
loam:
(S81NC-071-002)
Ap--------- 0 to 6 ; A-6(4)
Bt2--------- 14 to 47 ; A-7-5(20)
C--------- 57 to 72 i A-5(7)
Madison sandy clay
loam:
(S80NC-071-003)
Ap--------- 0 to 4 ; A-4(5)
Btl--------- 4 to 20 1 A-7-5(20)1
C--------- 36 to 60 1 A-7-5(7)
Tatum gravelly loam:
(S81NC-071-004) ;
A--------- 0 to 3 i A-4(2)
Bt2--------- 15 to 30 ; A-7-5(20)
C--------- 48 to 58 ; A-4(8)
SC i 96 i 95 i 86 48 34 i 23 i 20 i 25 i 10
MH ; 99 ; 98 ; 95 ; 76 ; 65 ; 55 ; 47 ; 62 ; 28
ML i 100 i 100 i 97 65 i 48 i 29 i 21 50 i 12
SC ) 100 i 100 79
MH i 100 i 100 i 89
ML 100 100 91
ML
MH
MH
SM
MH
ML
i 98
100
100
i
i
i
77
99
99
i
98 ; 95
100 i 95
100 i 93
i
i
68 i 60
98 ; 96
94 94
i
49 40 30 i 24 33
75 71 ; 61 ; 55 ; 73
65 i 37 ; 16 i 9 47
57 ; 39 ; 27 ; 21 ; 37
76 ; 67 ; 59 ; 52 ; 74
60 i 48 32 ; 26 i 52
47 ; 26 ; 14 { 10 i 32
90 ; 75 59 52 i 70
80 ; 40 ; 20 ; 16 ; 39
12
37
10
11
35
11
5
35
8
116.9 ; 13.5
91.0 ; 27.3
96.9 ; 23.4
113.0 14.1
96.4 i 25.0
98.5 ; 20.2
i
i
i
100.0 i 18.8
87.5 i 28.9
96.0 ; 22.5
i
i
111.2 i 14.2
93.0 ; 25.1
106.3 18.2
N
rn
U1
0
c
m
1<

Gaston County, North Carolina
127
Soil name
Alamance Variant ----------
Appling-------------------
Cecil---------------------
Chewacla------------------
Congaree------------------
Gaston--------------------'
Helena--------------------
Lignum--------------------
Madison-------------------
Pacolet-------------------
Tatum---------------------
Udorthents----------------
*Uwharrie------------------
Vance---------------------
Wedowee-------------------
Wilkes--------------------
Winnsboro-----------------
Worsham-------------------
TABLE 19.--CLASSIFICATION OF THE SOILS
Family or higher taxonomic class
Fine -silty, siliceous, thermic Typic Hapludults
Clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults
Clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults
Fine -loamy, mixed, thermic Fluvaquentic Dystrochrepts
Fine -loamy, mixed, nonacid, thermic Typic Udifluvents
Clayey, mixed, thermic Humic Hapludults
Clayey, mixed, thermic Aquic Hapludults
Clayey, mixed, thermic Aquic Hapludults
Clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults
Clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults
Clayey, mixed, thermic Typic Hapludults
Udorthents
Clayey, mixed, thermic Typic Hapludults
Clayey, mixed, thermic Typic Hapludults
Clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Hapludults
Loamy, mixed, thermic, shallow Typic Hapludaifs
Fine, mixed, thermic Typic Hapludalts
Clayey, mixed, thermic Typic Ochraquults
* The soil is a taxadjunct to the series. See text for a description of those characteristics of the
soil that are outside the range of the series.
* U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1989 0 - 242-994: QL 3

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