Calhoun and Roane Counties, West Virginia

Survey Area WV624• West Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). 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 Calhoun and Roane 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
Gilpin-Peabody complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, severely eroded	272K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Upshur-Gilpin silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded	71K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Vandalia silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	41K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Upshur-Gilpin silt loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded	28K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Pineville complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very stony	21K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Sensabaugh silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	18K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Moshannon silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	10K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Vandalia silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, extremely bouldery	6K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Rock outcrop-Peabody-Gilpin complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, severely eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Upshur-Gilpin silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded	4K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Pineville loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Hackers silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Somewhat limited
Udorthents, smoothed	2K			Not rated	Not rated
Monongahela silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	1K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Tilsit silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes	1K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Water	1K			Not rated	Not rated
Senecaville and Melvin silt loams, occasionally flooded	541	Moderately well drained	B/D	Very limited	Very limited
Senecaville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, rarely flooded	227	Moderately well drained	C	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.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

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

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.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 99% 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 98% 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.