Fauquier 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 Fauquier County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middleburg loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 22K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tankerville-Purcellville complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, rocky | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fauquier silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Purcellville-Tankerville complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ashburn silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 13K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mongle silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 12K | Somewhat poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myersville silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Albano silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 11K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dulles silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tankerville-Purcellville complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes, rocky | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Codorus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 9K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pigeonroost loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Yellowbottom loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hazel sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, rocky | 7K | Excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pignut-Alanthus complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Penn silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Yellowbottom loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Jackland and Haymarket soils, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Somewhat poorly drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fauquier silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glenelg loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 67% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 89% 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.