Jefferson National Forest, Virginia
The most common soil here is Dekalb, on about 14% of the land: a very cobbly sandy loam, gritty and crumbly. Lily and Berks come next.
About 99% of the land drains well.
USDA rates 98% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 95% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 1% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 72% 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 Jefferson National Forest, 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 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 Jefferson National Forest, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berks-Weikert complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 84K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 46K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb cobbly sandy loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 44K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily gravelly sandy loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 28K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bailegap sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| McCamy fine sandy loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 60 to 80 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylco-Sylvatus complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marbleyard very cobbly sandy loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oriskany very cobbly sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb cobbly sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 13K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb-Dekalb, shallow complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oriskany very cobbly sandy loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb cobbly sandy loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes, rubbly | 9K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Evard sandy loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jefferson loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Berks complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | 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 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 98% 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.