Fayette and Raleigh Counties Area, West 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 Fayette and Raleigh Counties Area, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berks-Highsplint-Sharondale complex, 35 to 80 percent slopes, very stony | 204K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Layland-Dekalb-Guyandotte complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony | 159K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifftop-Nallen complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Layland-Laidig complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, rubbly | 39K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifftop-Nallen complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clifftop channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 34K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaymine-Rock outcrop complex, very steep, very stony | 29K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Highsplint channery loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 26K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig channery loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, rubbly | 20K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Cedarcreek-Rock outcrop complex, very steep, very stony | 16K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaymine very channery loam, very steep, very stony | 14K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Nallen-Fenwick complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 13K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cookport-Nallen complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 7K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Highsplint channery loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Layland-Dekalb-Rock outcrop complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Atkins loam, warm, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 6K | Poorly drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents-Urban land complex | 5K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Philo-Pope complex, warm, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Moderately well drained | B/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Pope-Craigsville complex, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 88% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, 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.