Virgin Islands of the United States
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). 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.
| 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 |
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.