Rockbridge 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 Rockbridge County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frederick silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Frederick-Watahala complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Caneyville complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb-Lehew-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 11K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watahala-Frederick complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Watahala complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vanella-Tumbling complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Watahala complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Needmore-Opequon complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Needmore-Opequon complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbo-Opequon complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky | 9K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oriskany-Murrill complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oriskany-Laidig complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb, Lehew, and Berks soils, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Marbleyard-Sherando-Rock outcrop complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sylco-Marbleyard complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, very rocky | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Berks-Rough complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Berks-Rough complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oriskany-Murrill complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very 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.