Wythe County, Virginia

Survey Area VA197• 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 Wythe 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
Chiswell-Groseclose-Litz complex, 30 to 60 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Frederick silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	19K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Frederick silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	15K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Marbie-Wyrick complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	14K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Chiswell-Groseclose-Litz complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Chiswell-Groseclose-Litz complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Matneflat gravelly sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony	9K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Timberville silt loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, rarely flooded	9K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Weikert-Berks complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hagerstown-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 45 percent slopes	7K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Matneflat gravelly sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes, stony	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Shottower loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Shottower loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Frederick silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Lily sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hagerstown-Wurno complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Jefferson cobbly loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Dekalb channery sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Hagerstown-Wurno complex, 7 to 15 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Matneflat gravelly sandy loam, 7 to 15 percent slopes, stony	4K	Well drained	A	Somewhat 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.

Inceptisols

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

Alfisols

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

Entisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 78% 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 75% 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.