Carroll 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 Carroll County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manor loam, steep | 37K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chester-Glenelg loams, sloping | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chester-Glenelg loams, steep | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Manor loam, moderately steep | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myersville loam, steep | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myersville stony loam, thin solum, steep | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Stony land, Porters materials, steep | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hatboro silt loam | 9K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ramsey very stony loam, steep | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Porters loam, steep | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock land, gneiss and schist | 7K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Ramsey very stony loam, very steep | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chester-Glenelg loams, sloping, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chester-Glenelg loams, steep, eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myersville loam, sloping | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Myersville loam, steep, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tusquitee loam, sloping | 5K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Talladega soils, steep | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watauga silt loam, moderately steep | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, sloping, eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 70% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 76% 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.