Warren 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 Warren County, Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weikert-Berks channery silt loams, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 13K | Somewhat excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chester-Manor complex, 25 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myersville and Montalto soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myersville and Montalto soils, 25 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myersville-Catoctin silt loams, 25 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lodi silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Berks channery silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert-Berks channery silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rigley-Weikert-Berks complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lodi silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lodi silt loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Unison loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Zoar silt loam, 0 to 7 percent | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chagrin fine sandy loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cataska channery silt loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes | 2K | Excessively drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Myersville and Montalto soils, 7 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Chester loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hawksbill cobbly loam, 2 to 7 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 85% 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 87% 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.