Buchanan County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Buchanan County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highsplint-Shelocta complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, very stony | 64K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Matewan-Clifftop-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 48K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cloverlick-Shelocta-Highsplint complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, very stony | 44K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marrowbone-Clifftop complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Kaymine complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, very bouldery | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Highsplint complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cedarcreek, Fiveblock, and Kaymine soils, 55 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marrowbone-Gilpin complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex, 0 to 80 percent slopes | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Shelocta-Cedarcreek complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very bouldery | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cedarcreek-Sewell-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Kaymine-Cedarcreek complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Cloverlick complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sewell-Kaymine-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Berks complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex, occasionally flooded | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Gilpin-Berks complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marrowbone-Gilpin complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stonecoal extremely channery sandy loam, 0 to 80 percent slopes | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fiveblock-Sewell complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 2K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 92% 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 92% 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.