Russell 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 Russell County, Virginia.
| 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 |
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.