Bedford City, Virginia
The most common soil here is Fairview, on about 36% of the land: a sandy clay loam, gritty but holds together. Clifford and Codorus come next.
About 90% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 49% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 49% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Bedford City, Virginia, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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.
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.