Montgomery County, Virginia

Survey Area VA121• Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates. 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. 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 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

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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

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.