Preston County, 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 Preston County, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ernest silt loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 30K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 23K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 19K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 3 to 8 percent slopes | 17K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 17K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Highsplint-Berks association, moist, 35 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 16K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes | 14K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, extremely stony | 13K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Brownsville-Berks complex, moist, 25 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, rubbly | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Bethesda and Fairpoint soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery sandy loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes, rubbly | 10K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery sandy loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes, rubbly | 9K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 8K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 35 to 65 percent slopes, extremely stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Dekalb channery sandy loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, rubbly | 8K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin channery silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Brownsville complex, moist, 15 to 25 percent slopes, very stony | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include 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.