Giles County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Nolichucky, on about 26% of the land: a loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Frederick and Carbo come next.
About 97% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 87% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 86% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 2% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 29% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Giles County, Virginia, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Giles 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nolichucky very stony sandy loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick gravelly silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nolichucky very stony sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbo-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick gravelly silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Nolichucky very stony sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Lily-Bailegap complex, very stony, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lehew and Wallen soils, very stony, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jefferson variant and Drall soils, very stony, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Rock outcrop complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick very stony silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbo silty clay loam, very rocky, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin very stony silt loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chavies variant, sandy loam | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Braddock sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% 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 87% 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.