Culpeper 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 Culpeper County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edgemont-Culpeper complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Waxpool silt loam, occasionally ponded, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhodhiss-Mine Run complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Yellowbottom loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Codorus and Meadowville soils, 2 to 7 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sycoline-Kelly complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhodhiss-Mine Run complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rapidan-Penn complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 9K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Jackland and Haymarket soils, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 9K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edgemont-Rixeyville complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Codorus silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fauquier silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Comus silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ott-Kelly complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penn-Nestoria complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alanthus-Myersville complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Culpeper sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Not limited | Very limited |
| Jackland and Haymarket soils, 2 to 7 percent slopes, very bouldery | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg-Rixeyville complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 55% 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 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.