Smyth 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 Smyth County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weikert-Berks complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbo-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily sandy loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chiswell-Litz-Groseclose complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Newbern-Westmoreland complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 10K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Frederick gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wurno-Newbern complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tumbling loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Carbo-Rock outcrop complex, 7 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick gravelly silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Tumbling loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chiswell-Litz-Groseclose complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick gravelly silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery sandy loam, 25 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wyrick-Marbie complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 86% 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 86% 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.