West Virginia Soil Surveys

45 survey areas

West Virginia has 45 USDA soil survey areas covering a wide range of landscapes and soil conditions. The most common soil order is Ultisols — strongly weathered soils with clay-enriched subsoils, common in warm humid climates, making up roughly 32% of surveyed soils. Inceptisols — young soils with minimal horizon development but more than Entisols account for another 25%.

In terms of drainage, 87% of West Virginia soils are classified as well drained. Drainage class affects everything from septic system design to basement feasibility to garden planning. Use the survey area pages below to see drainage details for specific counties, or look up any address for an exact soil profile.

Soil Types

Ultisols

32% of surveyed soils

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

Inceptisols

25% of surveyed soils

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

Alfisols

24% of surveyed soils

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

Entisols

14% of surveyed soils

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

Mollisols

1% of surveyed soils

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Spodosols

1% of surveyed soils

Acidic forest soils with a leached layer. Common under conifers. Often have drainage issues from a compacted subsoil layer.

Survey Areas

West Virginia Soil Surveys

Soil Types

Survey Areas

Look Up a Specific Address