Brooke, Hancock, and Ohio Counties, West Virginia

Survey Area WV604• West Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Brooke, Hancock, and Ohio Counties, West 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
Westmoreland silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	24K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Westmoreland silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Somewhat limited	Somewhat limited
Westmoreland silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Westmoreland silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Berks soils, 35 to 65 percent slopes	13K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Urban land-Udorthents complex	12K			Not rated	Not rated
Strip mines	10K			Not rated	Not rated
Gilpin silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	10K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	8K			Not rated	Not rated
Berks channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	5K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	4K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Gilpin silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Berks channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Ernest silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes	2K	Moderately well drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Lindside silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	2K	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Cut and fill land	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Huntington silt loam	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Berks channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded	2K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Westmoreland silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	2K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Made land	2K	Well drained		Not rated	Not rated

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.

Alfisols

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

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.

Entisols

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

Mollisols

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

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 56% 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 65% 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.