Bedford City, Virginia

Survey Area VA515• Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Bedford City, 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
Fairview sandy clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded	840	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Clifford fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	792	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Fairview fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	645	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Clifford-Urban land complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	434	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Clifford fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes	383	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Urban land	353			Not rated	Not rated
Fairview fine sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes	241	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Fairview sandy clay loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, severely eroded	238	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Clifford-Urban land complex, 7 to 20 percent slopes	170	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Codorus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	75	Somewhat poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Rhodhiss loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes	54	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wintergreen loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	40	Well drained		Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Comus fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	17	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Water	6			Not rated	Not rated
Wintergreen loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes	4	Well drained		Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Spriggs loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes	4	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents, loamy	4			Not rated	Not rated

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.

Entisols

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

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 49% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 49% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.