Franklin 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 Franklin County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clifford fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 116K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clifford fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 72K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford-Hickoryknob complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 58K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Comus-Maggodee-Elsinboro complex, 0 to 4 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 14K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Hickoryknob-Rhodhiss-Stott Knob complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford fine sandy loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bluemount-Spriggs complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, stony | 11K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Fairview-Westfield complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, stony | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minnieville loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Peaks-Ashe-Edneyville complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wintergreen loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Edneytown-Sauratown complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Fairview-Westfield complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 6K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Peaks-Ashe-Edneyville complex, 45 to 95 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Fairview-Westfield complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, stony | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minnieville loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Littlejoe-Strawfield-Penhook complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Drapermill gravelly loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 56% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 58% 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.