Scott County, Virginia
The most common soil here is Carbo, on about 15% of the land: a silt loam, smooth, like flour. Watahala and Berks come next.
About 92% of the land drains well; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 6% of it.
USDA rates 93% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 93% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 3% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 64% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Scott County, Virginia, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
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 Scott 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbo-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes, eroded | 29K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Chiswell complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watahala gravelly silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Shelocta silt loams, 55 to 70 percent slopes, rocky | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Westmoreland complex, 55 to 70 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbo-Beech Grove complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very rocky, eroded | 13K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watahala gravelly silt loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, eroded | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Chiswell complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Watahala-Opequon gravelly silt loams, 35 to 55 percent slopes, rocky | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Westmoreland complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Claiborne silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes, eroded | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Shelocta silt loams, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wallen gravelly loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbo-Rock outcrop complex, karst, 8 to 35 percent slopes, eroded | 7K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin-Rough complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes, very rocky | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oriskany very cobbly fine sandy loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lobdell-Orrville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ramsey-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bailegap-Gilpin complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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 93% 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.