Washington County Area and the City of Bristol, Virginia

Survey Area VA191• 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 Washington County Area and the City of Bristol, 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
Frederick silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Frederick silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	33K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Westmoreland silt loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes, rocky	24K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Weikert silt loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes	22K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Lily loam, 25 to 65 percent slopes, very stony	20K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Wyrick-Marbie complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Hagerstown silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Timberville-Marbie complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes, rarely flooded	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Frederick very gravelly silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Frederick very gravelly silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Litz silt loam, 25 to 50 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Dekalb channery loam, 25 to 60 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hagerstown-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 45 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Litz silt loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes, very rocky	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents-Urban land complex, 0 to 25 percent slopes	6K	Well drained		Not rated	Not rated
Frederick very gravelly silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Weikert silt loam, 50 to 80 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hagerstown silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Westmoreland silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, rocky	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Frederick silt loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes	4K	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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 76% 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 72% 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.