Rockingham 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 Rockingham County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lehew, Dekalb, and Calvin soils, 45 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 57K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick and Lodi silt loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 44K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Weikert-Berks complex, 45 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony, eroded | 34K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Berks channery silt loams, 25 to 45 percent slopes, eroded | 29K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Drall sandy loam, 40 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony | 26K | Excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick and Lodi silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lehew, Dekalb, and Calvin soils, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 13K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Typic Udorthents, nearly level | 13K | Well drained | A | Not limited | Very limited |
| Sylco silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick and Lodi silt loams, 2 to 7 percent slopes, eroded | 13K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Laidig fine sandy loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig fine sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick and Lodi gravelly silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert channery silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Frederick complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes | 9K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Frederick and Lodi gravelly silt loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes, eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Weikert-Berks channery silt loams, 25 to 45 percent slopes, extremely stony, eroded | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Myersville silt loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lehew, Dekalb, and Calvin cobbly soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 75% 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 78% 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.