Henry County, Virginia

Survey Area VA089• 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 Henry 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
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

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.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

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.