Albemarle County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Albemarle County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myersville-Catoctin very stony silt loams, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Buffstat silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ashe loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bugley channery silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parker very stony loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chester very stony loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bugley channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elioak loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Buffstat silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elioak loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chester loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Braddock loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rabun clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Parker extremely stony loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bugley channery silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myersville very stony silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 55% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.
Gardening & Agriculture
Well-drained soils on sloped terrain — good for most plants but watch for erosion. Terracing, contour planting, and mulching help retain moisture and topsoil. Drip irrigation is more effective than sprinklers on slopes.