Montgomery County, 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 Montgomery County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berks and Weikert soils, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 44K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Lowell-Rayne complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 32K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville-Opequon-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 70 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Groseclose complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Lowell-Rayne complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Jefferson extremely stony soils, 7 to 25 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Groseclose and Poplimento soils, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Clymer complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks and Weikert very stony soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duffield-Ernest complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Groseclose and Poplimento soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Groseclose and Poplimento soils, 25 to 60 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Caneyville-Opequon-Rock outcrop complex, 7 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Duffield-Ernest complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Groseclose and Poplimento soils, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick and Vertrees gravelly silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Parker-Glenelg complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 4K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weaver soils | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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 94% 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.