Clarke 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 Clarke County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timberville silt loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Opequon complex, 3 to 45 percent slopes | 6K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Hagerstown-Opequon-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Poplimento silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pagebrook silty clay loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poplimento-Webbtown complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poplimento-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poplimento silt loam, rocky, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbo-Opequon-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oaklet-Carbo complex, rocky, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Catoctin-Myersville very stony silt loams, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nicholson-Duffield silt loams, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poplimento-Webbtown complex, rocky, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig very stony loam, 8 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poplimento-Webbtown complex, rocky, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, extremely stony, 0 to 45 percent slopes | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cataska-Cardiff slaty loams, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 2K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Swimley-Hagerstown silt loams, rocky, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Myersville-Catoctin very stony silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 84% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 91% 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.