Monroe County, West Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high 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 Monroe County, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weikert channery silt loam, 25 to 55 percent slopes | 50K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery loam, 55 to 70 percent slopes, very stony | 21K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cateache-Litz complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick and Dunmore soils, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very rocky | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cateache-Litz complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig channery loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Frederick and Dunmore soils, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very rocky | 7K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cateache-Litz complex, 15 to 25 perecnt slopes | 6K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Tilsit silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 6K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Litz channery silt loam, 35 to 60 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blackthorn very channery loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Litz channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 5K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cateache-Litz complex, 35 to 60 percent slopes, very stony | 5K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 4K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Litz-Cateache complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | C | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Lily sandy loam, warm, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Weikert channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 4K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig channery loam, 25 to 45 percent slopes, very stony | 3K | Well drained | A/D | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 98% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 100% 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.