Floyd 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 Floyd County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenelg loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 26K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Glenelg loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylco-Sylvatus complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowee gravelly loam, 8 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Edneyville complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneytown-Ashe complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowee gravelly loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, stony | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hatboro sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 7K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peaks-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 90 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tate loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cowee loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peaks very gravelly loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneytown-Ashe complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Ashe-Edneytown complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cowee loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Tate loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Glenelg loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peaks very gravelly loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 73% 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 85% 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.