Patrick County, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Patrick County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairview sandy clay loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 40K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cliffield-Evard complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview sandy clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 25K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rhodhiss-Stott Knob complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Fairview complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, stony | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview-Stott Knob complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| French loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 10K | Moderately well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Fairview complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 10K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Braddock fine sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Widgett-Trimont complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minnieville loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Meadowfield-Stott Knob complex, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Colvard and Suches soils, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Trimont-Kibler complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Peaks-Rock outcrop complex, 45 to 90 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Woolwine-Fairview complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, stony | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cliffield-Evard complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cliffield-Evard complex, 45 to 90 percent slopes, very rocky | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Minnieville loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Fairview sandy clay loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes, moderately eroded | 3K | Well drained | B | Not limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 66% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 88% 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.