Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, Virginia.
| 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 |
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.