Jefferson National Forest, Virginia

Survey Area VA606• Virginia

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.

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.

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% 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 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.