Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weikert-Berks channery silt loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 39K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick and Poplimento silt loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Laidig channery loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rock outcrop-Drall-Wallen complex, 15 to 70 percent slopes | 13K | Very limited | Very limited | ||
| Berks-Weikert channery silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wallen channery sandy loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wallen channery sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick and Poplimento gravelly silt loams, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Frederick and Poplimento silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig channery loam, 2 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick and Poplimento silt loams, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Somewhat limited |
| Endcav silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wallen channery sandy loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick and Poplimento gravelly silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick and Poplimento silt loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig channery loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbo-Endcav complex, 2 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wallen channery sandy loam, 55 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Berks channery silt loams, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Berks channery silt loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% 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 83% 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.