Bath County, Virginia

Survey Area VA017• 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 Bath 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	41K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Weikert-Rough complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes	31K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dekalb-Watahala-McClung complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lehew-Berks complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony	13K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Weikert-Berks-Rough complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	13K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Oriskany cobbly sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony	12K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Weikert-Berks-Rough complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
McClung-Watahala-Dekalb complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Oriskany cobbly sandy loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony	10K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Oriskany-Murrill complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	9K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Berks complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Berks complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Dekalb-Lily-McClung complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Dekalb-rock outcrop complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony	7K	Excessively drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lehew-Berks-Rock outcrop complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony	7K	Somewhat excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Oriskany-Murrill complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Escatawba loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Oriskany cobbly sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony	6K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Dekalb-Alticrest complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony	5K	Excessively drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Lehew-Berks complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	5K	Somewhat excessively 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.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 97% 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 100% 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.