Marshall County, West Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Moderately 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 Marshall County, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dormont-Culleoka complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very stony | 56K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dormont-Culleoka complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 31K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka-Dormont complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 29K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Dormont silt loams, 35 to 70 percent slopes, very stony | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka-Dormont-Peabody complex, 35 to 65 percent slopes, very stony | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka-Dormont-Peabody complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka-Dormont-Peabody complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Water | 4K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Udorthents-Urban land complex, 0 to 70 percent slopes | 3K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Brookside silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brookside silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka-Dormont complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sensabaugh silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes, rarely flooded | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dormont silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Sensabaugh silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Udorthents, smoothed, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 1K | Not rated | Not rated | ||
| Chagrin silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Culleoka-Peabody complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 1K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dormont silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 926 | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 95% 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 95% 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.