Bedford County, 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clifford fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 54K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Poplar Forest sandy clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 50K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hayesville loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Edneytown loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneytown loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colvard sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Poplar Forest sandy clay loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Braddock fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Spriggs fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Littlejoe gravelly loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Edneytown loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buffstat gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oak Level loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Minnieville loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 52% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 64% 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.