Lincoln County, West Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is A (high infiltration, low runoff). 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 Lincoln County, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highsplint-Matewan-Cloverlick association, very steep, extremely stony | 77K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Rayne-Matewan complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 66K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur silt loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur silt loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 21K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sharpcrest-Hazleton complex, 35 to 75 percent slopes, extremely bouldery | 14K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Matewan complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Wharton complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sensabaugh loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Grigsby fine sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 2K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Latham-Gilpin complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Kaymine and Fiveblock soils, 35 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Chagrin loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Latham-Gilpin complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 1K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Shelocta association, very steep, extremely stony | 960 | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
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 99% 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.