Orange 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 Orange County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffstat silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 24K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Buffstat silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 17K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Littlejoe silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fauquier clay, 7 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Buffstat silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bugley very channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grassland silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 5K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hatboro-Codorus complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 5K | Poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Littlejoe silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Fauquier clay loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Codorus silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 4K | Somewhat poorly drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fauquier clay loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Meadowville silt loam, 2 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Bugley very channery silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Littlejoe loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Littlejoe silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Rabun clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Elioak fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
| Elbert silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, overwash | 3K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meadowville fine sandy loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 22% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.
Septic Systems
About 24% of soils have significant septic limitations, while others are more suitable. A perc test is essential — conditions vary across the area.
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.