Wythe 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 Wythe County, Virginia.
| 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 |
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.