Russell County, Virginia

Survey Area VA167• 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 Russell 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-Westmoreland complex, 55 to 70 percent slopes	26K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Watahala gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Carbo-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes, eroded	17K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Highsplint-Shelocta complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	14K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Watahala gravelly silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Berks-Chiswell complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes	12K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Watahala gravelly silt loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Carbo-Rock outcrop complex, karst, 8 to 35 percent slopes, eroded	9K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berks-Westmoreland complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Carbo-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 25 percent slopes, eroded	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Shelocta-Highsplint complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Tumbling loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Carbo-Beech Grove complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky, eroded	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Berks-Poplimento complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bland-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Frederick silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Lobdell-Orrville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	5K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Frederick silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, eroded	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Tumbling loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Berks-Gilpin complex, 55 to 70 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very 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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 95% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 95% 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.