Alleghany County, Virginia

Survey Area VA005• Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Alleghany County, Virginia. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Weikert-Berks-Rough complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes	56K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Weikert-Rough complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes	27K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lehew-Berks complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony	21K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Dekalb-Lily complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony	16K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Weikert-Berks-Rough complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dekalb-Alticrest complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony	11K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Berks complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Oriskany cobbly sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Oriskany-Murrill complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	8K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Lehew-Berks complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	7K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Dekalb-Lily-McClung complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lehew-Berks-Rock outcrop complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Escatawba loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Oriskany cobbly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony	5K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dekalb-rock outcrop complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony	5K	Excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Berks complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Cottonbend silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Berks channery silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Oriskany-Murrill complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony	3K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Ogles very cobbly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	3K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Ultisols

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

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

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

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 93% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 96% 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.