Henry 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 Henry County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clifford sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 52K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Clifford sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifford sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Clifford complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Clifford complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Clifford complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minnieville loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Colvard fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orenda-Spriggs complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orenda-Spriggs complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Orenda-Spriggs complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Clifford sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Minnieville loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Codorus loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 3K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 2K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Buffstat-Bugley complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minnieville loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Woolwine-Urban land complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Littlejoe silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 59% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 70% 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.