Jefferson County, 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 Jefferson County, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poplimento silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poplimento silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 7K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Funkstown silt loam | 7K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oaklet silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Ryder-Poplimento complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Hagerstown silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very rocky | 3K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Vertrees-Rock outcrop complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Duffield-Ryder complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Whiteford channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Hagerstown-Opequon-Rock outcrop complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Urban land-Hagerstown complex, 0 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Not limited | Not limited | ||
| Trego very flaggy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Poplimento silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, very rocky | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oaklet silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very rocky | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Oaklet-Rock outcrop complex, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vertrees silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, very rocky | 2K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 57% 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 70% 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.