Ritchie County, West Virginia

Survey Area WV085• 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 Ritchie 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
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

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.

Inceptisols

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

Entisols

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

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.