Marion and Monongalia Counties, West Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate 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 Marion and Monongalia Counties, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilpin-Culleoka-Upshur silt loams, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 70K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka-Westmoreland silt loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 35K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Culleoka-Upshur silt loams, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 27K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka-Westmoreland silt loams, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksburg silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 23K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka-Westmoreland silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Culleoka-Upshur silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 16K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Clarksburg silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 14K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dormont and Guernsey silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 12K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb very stony loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb very stony loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lobdell-Holly silt loams | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dormont and Guernsey silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka-Westmoreland silt loams, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Westmoreland silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, cut and fill | 6K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Water | 6K | 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 96% 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.