Roanoke County and the Cities of Roanoke and Salem, Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Roanoke County and the Cities of Roanoke and Salem, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weikert-Rock outcrop complex, 45 to 70 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Berks complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 11K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville channery fine sandy loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chiswell-Litz complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edneyville fine sandy loam, 25 to 55 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery sandy loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 80 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chiswell-Litz-Urban land complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Peaks gravelly loam, 60 to 75 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Edgemont channery sandy loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hayesville fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chiswell-Litz complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Evard fine sandy loam, 25 to 55 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery sandy loam, 60 to 80 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tumbling loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hayesville fine sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Frederick very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Urban land complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 84% 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 84% 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.