Scott County, Virginia

Survey Area VA169• 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 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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

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

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 100% 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 100% 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.