Randolph County Area, Main Part, West Virginia
The most common soil here is Calvin, on about 13% of the land: a channery loam, a balanced mix that crumbles in your hand. Highsplint and Berks come next.
About 77% of the land drains well, and 3% stays wet for long stretches; groundwater comes within two feet of the surface under 25% of it.
USDA rates 96% of the land very limited for a standard septic drain field, and 94% very limited for homes with basements. That means extra cost or special design, not that it can't be done.
Worth knowing: 4% of the land floods occasionally or more, and bedrock lies within 40 inches under 53% of it.
Soils change over short distances, so look up an address below for the soil at that exact spot and the reasons behind each rating.
The soils you're most likely standing on
The biggest named soils in Randolph County Area, Main Part, West Virginia, each drawn five feet deep from its official USDA description, in its recorded colors.
Dots mark gravel; white flecks mark lime. Shares are by acres across the survey area, and each mapped patch usually mixes several of these soils.
The biggest mapped areas
The dominant drainage class is Well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is B (moderate infiltration). The most common soil order is Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols. 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 Randolph County Area, Main Part, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highsplint-Berks association, moist, 35 to 80 percent slopes, extremely stony | 55K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan and Ernest stony soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 45K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Highsplint-Laidig complex, moist, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 38K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaudineer-Simoda complex, moist, 15 to 35 percent slopes, extremely stony | 31K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin stony silt loam, high base substratum, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 30K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Highsplint channery silt loam, moist, 35 to 70 percent slopes, extremely stony | 24K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin channery silt loam, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 22K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Buchanan and Ernest stony soils, 3 to 15 percent slopes | 20K | Moderately well drained | C/D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gaudineer-Gauley complex, moist, 35 to 60 percent slopes, rubbly | 13K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mandy-Wildell complex, 35 to 55 percent slopes, very stony | 12K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Berks-Weikert complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes | 11K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin stony silt loam, high base substratum, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Meckesville stony silt loam, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Simoda-Gaudineer complex, moist, 3 to 15 percent slopes, extremely stony | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Belmont stony silt loam-Rock outcrop complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 10K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Ernest silt loam, moist, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 10K | Moderately well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Mandy-Wildell complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony | 9K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Dekalb stony complex, moist, 15 to 35 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Calvin channery silt loam, 25 to 35 percent slopes | 7K | 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.
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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 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.