Highland County, Virginia

Survey Area VA091• Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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. 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

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

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.

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.