Nelson County, 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 Nelson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edneytown-Peaks complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony | 45K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Bugley channery silt loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazel channery loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 10K | Excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elioak loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Occoquan loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peaks-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Occoquan loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peaks-Rock outcrop complex, 55 to 75 percent slopes | 7K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Delanco loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneytown-Peaks complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elioak loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myersville-Catoctin complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Wintergreen loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bugley channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wintergreen loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat 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 77% 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 90% 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.