Prince William County, Virginia

Survey Area VA153• 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 Prince William 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
Arcola silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	18K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Urban land-Udorthents complex, 0 to 7 percent slopes	13K			Not rated	Not rated
Arcola-Nestoria complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Manassas silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	8K	Moderately well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Buckhall loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Waxpool silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dulles silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	7K	Somewhat poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Panorama silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Not limited	Somewhat limited
Water	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Meadowville loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Albano silt loam, 0 to 4 percent slopes	5K	Poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Occoquan sandy loam, 7 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Glenelg-Buckhall complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Hatboro-Codorus complex, 0 to 2 percent slopes	4K	Poorly drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Neabsco loam, 0 to 7 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sycoline-Kelly complex, 2 to 7 percent slopes	4K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Jackland silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes	3K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dumfries sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Gaila sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Sudley-Oatlands complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	3K	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.

Ultisols

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

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 40% of soils have significant building limitations, while the rest are generally suitable. Check specific sites carefully — conditions vary across the area.

Septic Systems

About 68% 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.