Augusta 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 Augusta County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frederick-Christian silt loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 43K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hazleton-Lehew complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton channery sandy loam, 25 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony | 31K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 45 to 60 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Christian gravelly silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Christian silt loams, 2 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 21K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lehew flaggy fine sandy loam, 45 to 70 percent slopes | 19K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drall extremely stony sandy loam, 45 to 80 percent slopes | 17K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Christian gravelly silt loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Frederick-Christian silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 7 to 25 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monongahela fine sandy loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 11K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Craigsville cobbly sandy loam | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hartleton soils, 25 to 75 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Frederick complex, steep | 9K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Timberville silt loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fluvaquents, nearly level | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert very channery silt loam, 45 to 80 percent slopes, severely eroded | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Allegheny-Cotaco fine sandy loams, 1 to 7 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 74% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. 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.