Pendleton County, West Virginia
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). 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 Pendleton County, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dekalb-Elliber-Blackthorn association, 35 to 55 percent slopes, stony | 48K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert channery silt loams, 25 to 55 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin-Dekalb-Hazleton complex, 55 to 80 percent slopes, stony | 24K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lehew, Hazleton, and Dekalb soils, 35 to 55 percent slopes, stony | 19K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blackthorn-Dekalb-Elliber association, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 19K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin-Dekalb-Hazleton complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, stony | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks channery loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony | 15K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Opequon silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes, very rocky | 14K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig channery loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert channery silt loams, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Laidig and Buchanan soils, 3 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 11K | Well drained | B | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Blackthorn channery sandy loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert channery silt loams, 25 to 55 percent slopes, severely eroded | 9K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Potomac very cobbly fine sandy loam | 9K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Cateache channery silt loam, 35 to 55 percent slopes, stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Blackthorn channery sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, stony | 6K | Well drained | A | Somewhat limited | Somewhat limited |
| Opequon silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very rocky | 6K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Potomac fine sandy loam | 6K | Somewhat excessively drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Hazleton-Dekalb complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 6K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Lehew, Hazleton, and Dekalb soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes, stony | 5K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.
Septic Systems
About 97% 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.