Botetourt 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 Botetourt County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berks-Weikert complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbo-Opequon-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very rocky | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery fine sandy loam, 30 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick gravelly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Weikert-Rock outcrop complex 45 to 80 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Groseclose silt loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Groseclose-Litz complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig cobbly fine sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick gravelly loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chilhowie silty clay loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, rocky | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Groseclose silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Frederick loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Frederick loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moomaw loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tumbling cobbly loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lehew-Dekalb complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% 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 89% 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.