Jefferson National Forest, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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.
| 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 |
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.