Amherst 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 Amherst County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clifford loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 37K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Edneytown-Peaks complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stott Knob-Rhodhiss complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Stott Knob-Rhodhiss complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bugley-Littlejoe complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delanco-Elsinboro complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 8K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peaks-Rock outcrop complex, 55 to 75 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneytown-Peaks complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wintergreen loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Minnieville loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Wintergreen loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clifford clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Peaks-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneytown loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Littlejoe silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Suches loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 64% 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 66% 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.