Pulaski County, Virginia

Survey Area VA155• 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 Pulaski 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-Gilpin complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes	20K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Rayne-Berks-Groseclose complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ramsey-Lily-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes	10K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Groseclose and Poplimento silt loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Groseclose and Poplimento silt loams, 15 to 30 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Klinesville-Berks channery silt loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	6K			Not rated	Not rated
Carbo-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Klinesville-Berks channery silt loams, 30 to 65 percent slopes	5K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Nolichucky very stony sandy loam, 30 to 65 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lowell silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Groseclose and Poplimento silt loams, 2 to 7 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Carbo silty clay loam, very rocky, 15 to 30 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Wurno-Newbern-Faywood silt loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Braddock loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Gilpin-Lily complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Lily-Ramsey complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wurno-Newbern-Faywood silt loams, 15 to 30 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Berks-Gilpin complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Frederick loam, 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 86% 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 89% 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.