Kanawha 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 Kanawha County, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clymer-Dekalb complex, very steep | 212K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur silt loams, very steep | 65K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur complex,20 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded | 36K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur complex, steep, severely eroded | 33K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clymer-Dekalb complex, steep | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur silt loams, steep | 20K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 30 to 40 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur silt loams, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cedarcreek-Kaymine very channery loams, 0 to 75 percent slopes, very stony, unreclaimed, highwall | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, smoothed-Urban land complex | 10K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Udifluvents, gravelly | 9K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Cedarcreek and Fiveblock soils, 25 to 75 percent slopes, very stony, reclaimed | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clymer-Dekalb complex, moderately steep | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sensabaugh silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Vandalia silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cedarcreek and Fiveblock soils, 8 to 25 percent slopes, very stony, reclaimed | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udifluvents, loamy | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Urban land | 4K | Not rated | Not rated |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 93% 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 93% 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.