Tazewell 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 Tazewell County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oriskany gravelly fine sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 29K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oriskany gravelly fine sandy loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony | 20K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Poplimento-Berks complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 20K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbo-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 18K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grimsley loam, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very stony | 14K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily fine sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick gravelly silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Gilpin complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Alticrest fine sandy loam, 25 to 40 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Carbo-Rock outcrop complex, karst, 7 to 65 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland-Poplimento-Berks complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin channery silt loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Wallen-Rock outcrop complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Somewhat excessively drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lily fine sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bland-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 50 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, karst, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick silt loam, karst, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Berks-Gilpin complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 97% 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 97% 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.