Marion and Monongalia Counties, West Virginia

Survey Area WV611• West Virginia

The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is C (slow infiltration, moderate runoff). The most common soil order is Entisols — young soils with little profile development, often on floodplains or steep slopes. 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. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

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

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

Ultisols

Strongly weathered clay soils of the Southeast. Acidic and naturally low in nutrients. Clay subsoil can slow drainage.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Inceptisols

Young but developing soils found in mountains and river terraces. Variable properties — check drainage and bedrock depth.

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.