Wise 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 Wise County, Virginia.
| 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 |
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.