Floyd County, Virginia

Survey Area VA063• 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 Floyd County, Virginia. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

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

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 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.