Putnam County, West Virginia

Survey Area WV079• 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 Alfisols — moderately leached forest soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. 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 Putnam County, 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-Upshur complex, stony, 35 to 65 percent slopes	54K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes	23K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes	17K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	16K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded	11K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Vandalia silt loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes	9K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Upshur-Gilpin complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded	7K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Upshur-Gilpin complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded	7K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Upshur-Gilpin complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Upshur-Gilpin complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes	6K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Sensabaugh silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	6K	Well drained	A	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, severely eroded	5K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur complex, stony, 15 to 35 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Vandalia stony silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Gilpin-Upshur complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes	3K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Water	3K			Not rated	Not rated
Udorthents, smoothed	3K			Not rated	Not rated
Vandalia silty clay loam, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded	3K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Chagrin loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	3K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited

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.

Alfisols

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

Ultisols

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

Entisols

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

Inceptisols

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

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 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.