Buckingham County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Buckingham County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spears Mountain silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Oak Level-Siloam complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 39K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Littlejoe silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Spears Mountain silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Littlejoe silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Codorus-Hatboro complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 20K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penhook loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Spears Mountain-Bugley complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview-Devotion complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Jackland-Mirerock complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oak Level-Diana Mills complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Grassland-Delanco complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bentley-Penhook complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Halifax-Delanco complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oak Level-Siloam complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview-Devotion complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Spears Mountain silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Appomattox-Penhook complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Littlejoe-Bentley complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 32% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 86% 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.