Ritchie 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 Ritchie County, West Virginia.
| Soil Map Unit | Acres | Drainage | Hydro Group | Dwellings | Septic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upshur-Gilpin complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes | 47K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur complex, 40 to 55 percent slopes | 45K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur complex, 30 to 40 percent slopes | 38K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Gilpin complex, 15 to 25 percent slopes, severely eroded | 34K | Well drained | D | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur complex, 25 to 35 percent slopes, severely eroded | 24K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur complex, 35 to 70 percent slopes, severely eroded | 22K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Gilpin complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes | 12K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Sensabaugh silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 11K | Well drained | A | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin-Upshur complex, stony, 30 to 55 percent slopes | 8K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 40 to 55 percent slopes | 7K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Moshannon silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 6K | Well drained | B | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monongahela and Tilsit silt loams, 10 to 20 percent slopes | 4K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Upshur-Gilpin complex, 8 to 15 percent slopes, severely eroded | 4K | Well drained | D | Somewhat limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia silty clay loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes, severely eroded | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 3K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Monongahela and Tilsit silt loams, 3 to 10 percent slopes | 3K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Senecaville silt loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes, occasionally flooded | 2K | Moderately well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Vandalia silt loam, 10 to 20 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 20 to 30 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
| Gilpin silt loam, 30 to 40 percent slopes | 2K | Well drained | C | Very limited | Very limited |
What This Means
Building & Foundations
About 94% 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 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.