Virgin Islands of the United States

Survey Area VI690• Virgin Islands

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. 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 Virgin Islands of the United States. 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
Victory-Southgate complex, 40 to 70 percent slopes, very stony	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Glynn gravelly loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Fredriksdal-Susannaberg complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Annaberg-Cramer complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Southgate-Rock outcrop complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Annaberg-Cramer complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes, extremely stony	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Fredriksdal-Susannaberg complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes, extremely stony	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Southgate-Rock outcrop complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Fredriksdal-Susannaberg complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes, extremely stony	3K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Glynn gravelly loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Hesselberg clay, 2 to 5 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Victory-Southgate complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes, very stony	2K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Arawak gravelly loam, 12 to 20 percent slopes, very stony	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sion clay, 2 to 5 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Not limited	Very limited
Urban land	2K			Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Arawak gravelly loam, 5 to 12 percent slopes, very stony	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Dorothea-Susannaberg complex, 40 to 60 percent slopes, extremely stony	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Cramer-Victory complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes, very stony	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Southgate-Rock outcrop complex, 60 to 90 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Annaberg-Cramer complex, 20 to 40 percent slopes, extremely stony	2K	Well drained	D	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.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Inceptisols

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

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Alfisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 80% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 96% 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.