Carroll County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Manor, on about 16% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Chester and Myersville come next.
About 88% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 4% of it.
USDA rates 75% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 68% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 16% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Carroll County, Virginia, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Carroll 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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 68% 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 75% 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.