Wise County, Virginia

Survey Area VA195• 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 Wise County, 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
Shelocta-Kaymine complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, very bouldery	34K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kaymine and Fiveblock soils, 55 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony	17K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Highsplint-Shelocta complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	13K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents-Urban land complex, 0 to 80 percent slopes	12K			Not rated	Not rated
Kaymine-Cedarcreek complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, extremely stony	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cloverlick-Shelocta-Highsplint complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	9K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Kaymine very channery silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Highsplint-Cloverlick-Guyandotte complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Summers-Kimper complex, 20 to 55 percent slopes, very stony	8K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kaymine-Fiveblock-Cedarcreek complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Marrowbone-Gilpin complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Highsplint-Shelocta complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Marrowbone-Clifftop complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Kaymine-Fiveblock-Rock outcrop complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes, very stony	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Cloverlick-Guyandotte-Highsplint complex, 20 to 80 percent slopes, very stony	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Berks complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Berks complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Highsplint channery silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	4K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Shelocta silt loams, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Udorthents-Urban land complex, occasionally flooded	3K			Not rated	Not rated

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.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 88% 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.