Charlottesville City, Virginia

Survey Area VA540 Virginia

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 Charlottesville City, Virginia. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map UnitAcresDrainageHydro GroupDwellingsSeptic
Urban land 2K Somewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Culpeper - Urban land complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes 912 Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Elioak - Urban land complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes 562 Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Elioak - Urban land complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes 437 Well drainedBNot limitedSomewhat limited
Udorthents, loamy, 2 to 25 percent slopes 416 Not ratedNot rated
Rabun - Urban land complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes 360 Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Culpeper - Urban land complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes 340 Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Culpeper - Urban land complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes 243 Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Glenelg - Urban land complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes 231 Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Dan River-Codorus complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded 157 Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Cullen - Urban land complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes 138 Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Glenelg - Urban land complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes 138 Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Rabun - Urban land complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes 129 Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Elioak loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes 101 Well drainedBSomewhat limitedSomewhat limited
Albemarle - Urban land complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes 79 Well drainedCSomewhat limitedVery limited
Glenelg loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes 74 Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Glenelg - Urban land complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes 70 Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Philomont sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony 62 Well drainedAVery limitedVery limited
Catoctin - Urban land complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes 61 Well drainedBVery limitedVery limited
Codorus silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded 58 Somewhat poorly drainedB/DVery limitedVery 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.

Ultisols
Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.
Inceptisols
Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.
Alfisols
Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 21% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 22% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.

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.

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