Highland County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Highland County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oriskany-Murrill complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 18K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Berks-Rough complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lehew-Berks complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Berks complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Berks-Rough complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oriskany-Murrill complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville silt loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very rocky | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macove channery silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Paddyknob-Madsheep complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Macove-Berks complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oriskany-Murrill complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Paddyknob-Madsheep complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oriskany cobbly sandy loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Shelocta-Berks complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb-Watahala-McClung complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elliber-Watahala complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Rough complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Derroc very cobbly loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 90% 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 100% 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.