United States

Department of

Agriculture

Natural

Resources

Conservation

Service

In cooperation with West

Virginia Agricultural and

Forestry Experiment

Station

Soil Survey of

McDowell County,

West Virginia

General Soil Map

The general soil map, which is a color map, shows the survey area divided into groups of associated soils called

general soil map units. This map is useful in planning the use and management of large areas.

To find information about your area of interest, locate that area on the map, identify the name of the map unit in the

area on the color-coded map legend, then refer to the section General Soil Map Units for a general description of

the soils in your area.

Detailed Soil Maps

The detailed soil maps can be useful in planning the use and

management of small areas.

To find information about your area

of interest, locate that area on the

Index to Map Sheets. Note the

number of the map sheet and turn

to that sheet.

Locate your area of interest on

the map sheet. Note the map unit

symbols that are in that area. Turn

to the Contents, which lists the

map units by symbol and name

and shows the page where each

map unit is described.

The Contents shows which table

has data on a specific land use for

each detailed soil map unit. Also

see the Contents for sections of

this publication that may address

your specific needs.

3

How to Use This Soil Survey
4

Additional information about the Nations natural resources is available on the

Natural Resources Conservation Service home page on the World Wide Web. The

address is http://www.nrcs.usda.gov (click on Technical Resources).

This soil survey is a publication of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, a joint effort

of the United States Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies, State

agencies including the Agricultural Experiment Stations, and local agencies. The

Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) has

leadership for the Federal part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey.

Major fieldwork for this soil survey was completed in 1993. Soil names and

descriptions were approved in 1994. Unless otherwise indicated, statements in this

publication refer to conditions in the survey area in 1993. This soil survey was made

cooperatively by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the West Virginia

Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. It is part of the technical assistance

furnished to the Southern Soil Conservation District.

Soil maps in this survey may be copied without permission. Enlargement of these

maps, however, could cause misunderstanding of the detail of mapping. If enlarged,

maps do not show the small areas of contrasting soils that could have been shown at a

larger scale.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its

programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age,

disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all

prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative

means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.)

should contact the USDAs TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,

Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC

20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity

provider and employer.

Cover: A view of the city of Welch, located in an area of Urban land-Chavies complex. PinevilleBerks association, very steep, extremely stony, is on the surrounding slopes.
5

Contents

Cover ....................................................................... 1

How to Use This Soil Survey.................................. 3

Contents .................................................................. 5

Foreword ................................................................. 7

General Nature of the County ................................... 9

How This Survey Was Made ................................... 11

General Soil Map Units ........................................ 13

1. Pineville-Berks ............................................. 13

2. Kaymine-Cedarcreek-Pineville ..................... 14

Detailed Soil Map Units ........................................ 17

BrFBerks-Rock outcrop complex, extremely

steep, extremely stony ................................. 18

CeBCedarcreek very channery loam, 3 to 15

percent slopes, very stony ........................... 19

CrFCedarcreek-Rock outcrop complex, very

steep, extremely stony ................................. 20

CvChavies loam.............................................. 21

GlEGilpin and Lily soils, 15 to 35 percent

slopes .......................................................... 22

ItFItmann extremely channery sandy loam,

very steep .................................................... 24

KaBKaymine very channery loam, 3 to 15

percent slopes, very stony ........................... 24

KcFKaymine-Cedarcreek-Dekalb complex,

very steep, extremely stony ......................... 25

KrFKaymine-Rock outcrop complex, very

steep, extremely stony ................................. 26

LlCLily loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes ............... 27

PBFPineville-Berks association, very steep,

extremely stony ............................................ 29

PlEPineville-Lily complex, 15 to 35 percent

slopes, very stony ........................................ 30

SeBSewell extremely channery sandy loam,

3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony ............... 30

SrFSewell-Rock outcrop complex, very steep,

extremely stony ............................................ 31

UdUdorthents, smoothed ................................ 32

UrUrban land-Chavies complex ...................... 33

YeYeager fine sandy loam ............................... 33

Use and Management of the Soils ...................... 37

Crops and Pasture ............................................. 37

Woodland Management and Productivity ........... 41

Recreation .......................................................... 43

Wildlife Habitat ................................................... 44

Engineering ........................................................ 46

Soil Properties ...................................................... 51

Engineering Index Properties ............................. 51

Physical and Chemical Properties ...................... 52

Soil and Water Features ..................................... 53

Classification of the Soils .................................... 55

Soil Series and Their Morphology ........................... 55

Berks Series....................................................... 55

Cedarcreek Series ............................................. 56

Chavies Series ................................................... 57

Dekalb Series ..................................................... 57

Gilpin Series ....................................................... 58

Itmann Series ..................................................... 59

Kaymine Series .................................................. 59

Lily Series .......................................................... 60

Pineville Series ................................................... 61

Sewell Series ..................................................... 61

Udorthents ......................................................... 62

Yeager Series ..................................................... 62

Formation of the Soils.......................................... 65

Factors of Soil Formation ........................................ 65

Morphology of the Soils .......................................... 66

References ............................................................ 67

Glossary ................................................................ 69

Tables .................................................................... 83

Table 1.Temperature and Precipitation ............ 84

Table 2.Freeze Dates in Spring and Fall.......... 85

Table 3.Growing Season ................................. 85

Table 4.Acreage and Proportionate Extent

of the Soils ................................................... 86

Table 5.Land Capability and Yields per Acre

of Crops and Pasture ................................... 87

Table 6.Capability Classes and Subclasses .... 88

Table 7.Woodland Management and

Productivity .................................................. 89

Table 8.Recreational Development ................. 93

Table 9.Wildlife Habitat .................................... 95

Table 10.Building Site Development ................ 97

Table 11.Sanitary Facilities ............................. 99

Table 12.Construction Materials .................... 101

Table 13.Water Management ........................ 103

Table 14.Engineering Index Properties ......... 105
6

Table 15.—Physical and Chemical Properties

of the Soils ................................................. 110

Issued 2004

Table 16.—Soil and Water Features ................. 112

Table 17.—Classification of the Soils ................ 114
7

This soil survey contains information that affects land use planning in McDowell

County. It contains predictions of soil behavior for selected land uses. The survey also

highlights soil limitations, improvements needed to overcome the limitations, and the

impact of selected land uses on the environment.

This soil survey is designed for many different users. Farmers, foresters, and

agronomists can use it to evaluate the potential of the soil and the management needed

for maximum food and fiber production. Planners, community officials, engineers,

developers, builders, and home buyers can use the survey to plan land use, select sites

for construction, and identify special practices needed to ensure proper performance.

Conservationists, teachers, students, and specialists in recreation, wildlife

management, waste disposal, and pollution control can use the survey to help them

understand, protect, and enhance the environment.

Various regulations of Federal, State, and local governments may impose special

restrictions on land use or land treatment. The information in this report is intended to

identify soil properties that are used in making various decisions for land use or land

treatment. Statements made in this report are intended to help the land users identify

and reduce the effects of soil limitations on various land uses. The landowner or user is

responsible for identifying and complying with existing laws and regulations.

Great differences in soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils are

very steep or subject to flooding. Some are shallow to bedrock. Some are too unstable

to be used as a foundation for buildings or roads. Steep or rapidly permeable soils are

poorly suited to use as septic tank absorption fields. Soils subject to flooding are poorly

suited for use as homesites.

These and many other soil properties that affect land use are described in this soil

survey. Broad areas of soils are shown on the general soil map. The location of each

soil is shown on the detailed soil maps. Each soil in the survey area is described.

Information on specific uses is given for each soil. Help in using this publication and

additional information are available at the local office of the Natural Resources

Conservation Service or the Cooperative Extension Service.

Lillian V. Woods

State Conservationist

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Foreword

9

MCDOWELL COUNTY is located in the south-central

part of West Virginia and is the southernmost county in

the state (fig. 1). The county has a total area of 535

square miles, or 324,400 acres.

Welch is the county seat. It is located at the

confluence of the Tug River and Elkhorn Creek.

McDowell County was created in 1858 from part of

Tazewell County, Virginia. It was named in honor of

James McDowell, Governor of Virginia in the mid-19th

century. In 1990, the population of McDowell County

was 35,233 (5).

This soil survey updates information on the county

as published in the survey of McDowell and Wyoming

Counties in 1914 (8). It provides additional information

and has larger maps, which show the soils in greater

detail.

General Nature of the County

This section provides general information about

McDowell County. It describes farming; transportation

and industry; physiography, relief, and drainage;

geology; and climate in the survey area.

Farming

According to the 1987 Census of Agriculture,

McDowell County has 12 farms and a total of about

912 acres of farmland (13). The average farm size is

about 76 acres.

The main farm enterprises in the county are

livestock and apple production. Apple orchards in the

Bradshaw area are important to the local economy

and provide produce to the surrounding area and

other states.

Transportation and Industry

The main roads in McDowell County are U.S. Route

52 and West Virginia Routes 16, 80, 83, 103, 161, and

635. Rail service is provided by the Norfolk and

Western Railway.

The major industries of the county are coal mining

and the development of forest products.

Soil Survey of

McDowell County, West Virginia

By Anthony B. Jenkins, Natural Resources Conservation Service

Fieldwork by Frank A. Doonan, Anthony B. Jenkins, and Barrie L. Wolf,

Natural Resources Conservation Service

United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service,

in cooperation with

West Virginia Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station

CHARLESTON

✪

Figure 1.Location of McDowell County in West Virginia.
10 Soil Survey

Physiography, Relief, and Drainage

McDowell County is in the Cumberland Plateau and

Mountain physiographic region (10). Its natural

landforms are the result of geologic erosion acting

over the millennia, dissecting ancient sedimentary

rock with a multitude of narrow valleys.

The topography of McDowell County is dominated

by very steep mountain side slopes below gently

sloping to very steep ridgetops. Narrow, nearly level

and gently sloping flood plains occur along many of

the streams.

McDowell County is almost entirely drained by the

Tug Fork River. A few acres along the Mercer County

line are in the Crane Creek Watershed. Crane Creek is

a tributary of the Bluestone River.

The lowest elevation in the survey area is about 875

feet above sea level at the confluence of the Tug Fork

River and Fourpole Creek in the extreme western part

of McDowell County. The highest elevation is about

3,400 feet on Flattop Mountain in the extreme eastern

part of the county where it adjoins Mercer and

Wyoming Counties (4).

Geology

Gordon B. Bayles, State Geologist, Natural Resources

Conservation Service, helped prepare this section.

All of the surface rocks in McDowell County are

sedimentary in origin and occur as cyclic deposits of

sandstone, siltstone, shale, and coal. Rocks of

Pennsylvanian age cover most of the county, but a few

small areas of rocks of Mississippian age outcrop at

the headwaters of the Tug Fork and Dry Fork Rivers

along the southeastern edge of the county. The

Mississippian rock consists of red, green, and gray

shales of the Mauch Chunk Group.

Most of the exposed rock is part of the Kanawha,

New River, and Pocahontas Formations of the

Pottsville Group. Small areas of the Bluestone and

Princeton Formations of the Mauch Chunk Group

outcrop along the southeastern edge of the county.

Relatively little local folding occurs in the survey area,

and rock strata dip slightly toward the northwest.

The western part of the McDowell County,

bordering Wyoming and Mingo Counties, West

Virginia, and Buchanan County, Virginia, is dominated

by rocks of the Kanawha Formation and includes

valleys having some outcropping of the New River

Formation. A number of coal seams have been

extensively surface mined and deep mined in this part

of the county, including the Cambell Creek (No. 2

Gas), Eagle, Lower War Eagle, and Gilbert. The major

soils in this area are Berks, Pineville, and Dekalb soils.

The central part of McDowell County bordering

Wyoming County to the north and ridges of the

eastern and southeastern parts of the county

bordering Mercer County and Tazewell County,

Virginia, are dominated by rocks of the New River

Formation. The Iaeger, Sewell, Beckley, Fire Creek,

and Pocahontas No. 9 coal seams in this formation

have been mined extensively. The major soils in these

areas are Pineville, Berks, Gilpin, and Lily soils.

The eastern and southeastern parts of the county

bordering Mercer County and Tazewell County,

Virginia, have a predominance of surface rocks from

the Pocahontas Formation of the Pottsville Group on

the side slopes and have many ridges capped with

rock of the New River Formation. The most extensively

mined coal seams in the Pocahontas Formation are

the Pocahontas No. 6, Pocahontas No. 4, and

Pocahontas No. 3. The major soils in these areas are

Pineville and Berks soils. Also in this part of the county

are small areas of outcropping of the Bluestone

Formation of the Mauch Chunk Group, which occur in

the headwaters of the Tug Fork and Dry Fork Rivers.

Most of this formation is covered with colluvium from

Pennsylvanian rocks; however, reddish silty soils

derived from the Mauch Chunk geology occur in a few

areas.

Climate

In winter the climate of McDowell County is cold

and snowy in areas at the higher elevations. In the

valleys, it is also frequently cold in winter but snow

cover does not last long due to intermittent thaws. In

summer the climate is fairly warm on mountain slopes

and very warm and occasionally hot in the valleys.

Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, but it

is significantly heavier on the windward, west-facing

slopes than in the valleys. Normal annual precipitation

is adequate for all crops. Summer temperatures and

length of growing season, however, particularly at the

higher elevations, may be inadequate.

Table 1 gives data on temperature and precipitation

for the survey area as recorded at Gary, West Virginia,

in the period 1951 to 1986. Table 2 shows probable

dates of the first freeze in fall and the last freeze in

spring. Table 3 provides data on length of the growing

season.

In winter, the average temperature is 34 degrees F

and the average daily minimum temperature is 23

degrees. The lowest temperature on record, which

occurred on January 21, 1985, is -26 degrees. In

summer, the average temperature is 72 degrees and

the average daily maximum temperature is 84
McDowell County, West Virginia 11

degrees. The highest recorded temperature, which

occurred on September 3, 1953, is 100 degrees.

Growing degree days are shown in table 1. They

are equivalent to heat units. During the month,

growing degree days accumulate by the amount that

the average temperature each day exceeds a base

temperature (40 degrees F). The normal monthly

accumulation is used to schedule single or successive

plantings of a crop between the last freeze in spring

and the first freeze in fall.

The total average annual precipitation is about 40.5

inches. Of this, 22 inches, or about 55 percent, usually

falls in April through September. The growing season

for most crops falls within this period. In 2 years out of

10, the rainfall in April through September is less than

19 inches. The heaviest 1-day rainfall during the period

of record was 4.29 inches on July 21, 1954.

Thunderstorms occur on about 45 days each year.

The average seasonal snowfall is about 19 inches.

The greatest snow depth at any one time during the

period of record was 10 inches. On the average, 11

days of the year have at least 1 inch of snow on the

ground. The number of such days varies greatly from

year to year.

The average relative humidity in midafternoon is

about 60 percent. Humidity is higher at night, and the

average at dawn is about 80 percent. The sun shines

50 percent of the time possible in summer and 35

percent in winter. The prevailing wind is from the

southwest. Average windspeed is highest, 12 miles

per hour, in spring.

Heavy rains, which occur at any time of the year,

and severe thunderstorms in summer sometimes

cause flash flooding, particularly in narrow valleys.

How This Survey Was Made

This survey was made to provide information about

the soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey area.

The information includes a description of the soils and

miscellaneous areas and their location and a

discussion of their suitability, limitations, and

management for specified uses. Soil scientists

observed the steepness, length, and shape of the

slopes; the general pattern of drainage; the kinds of

crops and native plants; and the kinds of bedrock.

They dug many holes to study the soil profile, which is

the sequence of natural layers, or horizons, in a soil.

The profile extends from the surface down into the

unconsolidated material in which the soil formed. The

unconsolidated material is devoid of roots and other

living organisms and has not been changed by other

biological activity.

The soils and miscellaneous areas in the survey

area are in an orderly pattern that is related to the

geology, landforms, relief, climate, and natural

vegetation of the area. Each kind of soil and

miscellaneous area is associated with a particular kind

of landform or with a segment of the landform. By

observing the soils and miscellaneous areas in the

survey area and relating their position to specific

segments of the landform, a soil scientist develops a

concept, or model, of how they formed. Thus, during

mapping, this model enables the soil scientist to

predict with a considerable degree of accuracy the

kind of soil or miscellaneous area at a specific location

on the landscape.

Commonly, individual soils on the landscape merge

into one another as their characteristics gradually

change. To construct an accurate soil map, however,

soil scientists must determine the boundaries between

the soils. They can observe only a limited number of

soil profiles. Nevertheless, these observations,

supplemented by an understanding of the soillandscape relationship, are sufficient to verify

predictions of the kinds of soil in an area and to

determine the boundaries.

Soil scientists recorded the characteristics of the

soil profiles that they studied. They noted color,

texture, size and shape of soil aggregates, kind and

amount of rock fragments, distribution of plant roots,

reaction, and other features that enable them to

identify the soils. After describing the soils and

determining their properties, the soil scientists

assigned the soils to taxonomic classes (units).

Taxonomic classes are concepts. Each taxonomic

class has a set of soil characteristics with precisely

defined limits. The classes are used as a basis for

comparison to classify soils systematically. Soil

taxonomy, the system of taxonomic classification used

in the United States, is based mainly on the kind and

character of soil properties and the arrangement of

horizons within the profile. After the soil scientists

classified and named the soils in the survey area, they

compared the individual soils with similar soils in the

same taxonomic class in other areas so that they

could confirm data and assemble additional data

based on experience and research.

While a soil survey is in progress, samples of some

of the soils in the area are generally collected for

laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. The

data from these analyses and tests and from fieldobserved characteristics and soil properties are used

to predict behavior of the soils under different uses.

Interpretations are field tested through observation of

the soils in different uses under different levels of

management. Some interpretations are modified to fit

local conditions, and some new interpretations are
12

developed to meet local needs. Data are assembled

from other sources, such as research information,

production records, and field experience of specialists.

For example, data on crop yields under defined levels

of management are assembled from farm records and

from field or plot experiments on the same kinds of

soil.

Predictions about soil behavior are based not only

on soil properties but also on such variables as

climate and biological activity. Soil conditions are

predictable over long periods of time, but they are not

predictable from year to year. For example, soil

scientists can predict with a relatively high degree of

accuracy that a given soil will have a high water table

within certain depths in most years, but they cannot

assure that a high water table will be at a specific level

in the soil on a specific date.

After soil scientists located and identified the

significant natural bodies of soil in the survey area,

they drew the boundaries of these bodies on aerial

photographs and identified each as a specific map

unit. Aerial photographs show trees, buildings, fields,

roads, and rivers, all of which help in accurately

locating boundaries.
13

The general soil map shows broad areas that have

a distinctive pattern of soils, relief, and drainage. Each

map unit on the general soil map is a unique natural

landscape. Typically, it consists of one or more major

soils or miscellaneous areas and some minor soils or

miscellaneous areas. It is named for the major soils or

miscellaneous areas. The components of one map unit

can occur in another but in a different pattern.

The general soil map can be used to compare the

suitability of large areas for general land uses. Areas

of suitable soils can be identified on the map. Likewise,

areas where the soils are not suitable can be

identified.

Because of its small scale, the map is not suitable

for planning the management of a farm or field or for

selecting a site for a road or a building or other

structure. The soils in any one map unit differ from

place to place in slope, depth, drainage, and other

characteristics that affect management.

Areas of the general soil map of McDowell County

are joined with areas of the general soil maps for

Wyoming and Mercer Counties, West Virginia.

Differences in map unit names and proportions of

component soils are the result of differences in the

degree of generalization.

1. Pineville-Berks

Very deep and moderately deep, moderately steep to

extremely steep, well drained soils on mountainous

uplands

This map unit consists of soils on ridges, on side

slopes, on foot slopes, and in mountain coves

throughout the county (fig. 2). The landscape is

dominated by rough, mountainous topography typical

of southern West Virginia. It is a deeply dissected

plateau with narrow ridgetops and valleys and long,

very steep or extremely steep side slopes. Stones

cover 3 to 15 percent of the surface in most areas, and

many areas have exposed bedrock.

This map unit makes up about 95 percent of the

survey area. It is about 40 percent Pineville soils, 35

percent Berks soils, and 25 percent soils of minor

extent and Rock outcrop.

Pineville soils are very deep, well drained, and

moderately steep to very steep. They are on mountain

side slopes, in coves, and on foot slopes. They formed

in mixed colluvial material weathered from sandstone,

siltstone, and shale. The surface layer is very dark

brown channery loam. The subsoil is yellowish brown

channery loam.

Berks soils are moderately deep, well drained, and

very steep or extremely steep. They are on mountain

ridges and side slopes. They formed in material

weathered from sandstone, siltstone, and shale. The

surface layer is dark brown channery loam. The

subsoil is yellowish brown very channery or extremely

channery loam.

Of minor extent in this map unit are the well drained

Gilpin, Lily, and Dekalb soils on ridgetops; well drained

to somewhat excessively drained soils in surface

mined areas; the somewhat excessively drained

Itmann soils in mine refuse areas; areas of Rock

outcrop along the major streams; and the well drained

Chavies and Yeager soils in the narrow flood plain

areas.

Most areas of this map unit are wooded. Some

areas on ridgetops, foot slopes, and flood plains are

cleared and used for urban development, home

gardens, orchards, or pasture.

Although most areas of this unit are unsuited to

agriculture, some of the less sloping areas on

ridgetops and foot slopes and some of the reclaimed

surface mined areas have limited suitability for pasture

and hay. Areas of the included Chavies and Yeager

soils are generally suited to hay, pasture, and row

crops. Erosion control is a major management

concern. Conservation tillage and good pasture

management, such as rotational grazing, help to

control erosion.

The soils of this map unit are well suited to timber

production, and approximately 90 percent of this unit is

forested. The most common tree species are yellowpoplar, red maple, scarlet oak, red oak, chestnut oak,

white ash, black oak, blackgum, sugar maple, and

hickory. Many stands of trees are poor in quality due to

repeated forest fires. Fire control is a major

management concern. The slope limits the use of

equipment, and the hazard of erosion is very severe

General Soil Map Units
14 Soil Survey

on logging roads and skid trails. Constructing roads

and trails on a gentle grade across the slope helps to

control erosion.

The major soils are severely limited for community

development due to the slope and surface stones.

Common limitations of the minor soils are the slope,

surface stones, differential settling, depth to bedrock,

flooding, and rapid permeability.

2. Kaymine-Cedarcreek-Pineville

Very deep, gently sloping to very steep, well drained

soils on uplands

This map unit consists of soils on uplands in the

eastern and central parts of the county. In most areas

multiple seams of coal have been extensively surface

mined. Stones and boulders cover 1 to 15 percent of

the surface in most areas, and many areas have

highwalls of exposed bedrock.

This map unit makes up about 5 percent of the

survey area. It is about 30 percent Kaymine soils, 25

percent Cedarcreek soils, 10 percent Pineville soils,

and 35 percent soils of minor extent and Urban land.

Kaymine soils are very deep, well drained, and

gently sloping to very steep. They occur in contour

surface mined areas of mountain side slopes and on

mountaintop surface mines. They formed in mixed

sandstone, siltstone, shale, and some coal material

and are nonacid. The surface layer is dark brown very

channery loam. The substratum is dark grayish brown

and brown very channery loam.

Cedarcreek soils are very deep, well drained, and

gently sloping to very steep. They occur in contour

surface mined areas of mountain side slopes and on

mountaintop surface mines. They formed in mixed

sandstone, siltstone, shale, and some coal material

and are acid. The surface layer is brown very

channery loam. The substratum is grayish brown and




	














  



















	

			 


 

		
























































































































 

 

 

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Dekalb

Dekalb

Dekalb

Pineville

Pineville

Pineville

Pineville

Pineville Pineville

Pineville

Pineville

Pineville

Pineville

Berks

Berks

Berks Berks

Berks

Berks

Berks

Berks

Berks

Berks

Berks

Berks

Berks

Sandstone

Sandstone

Siltstone

Siltstone

Siltstone

Sandstone

Siltstone

Colluvium

Sandstone

Sandstone

Shale

Siltstone

Colluvium

Siltstone

Siltstone

Colluvium

Colluvium

Shale

Shale

Shale

Shale

Shale

Shale

Shale

Shale

Shale

Shale

Shale

Shale

Shale

Shale

Coal

Coal

Coal

Coal

Coal

Coal

Coal

Coal

Coal

Coal

Coal

Siltstone

	


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Figure 2.Typical relationship of the soils and underlying parent material in the Pineville-Berks general soil map unit.
McDowell County, West Virginia 15

yellowish brown very channery or extremely channery

loam.

Pineville soils are very deep, well drained, and

moderately steep to very steep. They occur on

mountain side slopes, in coves, and on foot slopes.

They formed in mixed colluvial material weathered

from sandstone, siltstone, and shale. The surface layer

is very dark brown channery loam. The subsoil is

brown and yellowish brown channery loam.

Of minor extent in this map unit are the well drained

Dekalb and Berks soils on mountain side slopes and

narrow ridgetops; the well drained Gilpin and Lily soils

on ridgetops; small areas of Urban land and the well

drained Chavies soils along streams; the somewhat

excessively drained Itmann soils in mine refuse areas;

and Sewell soils in surface mined areas.

Most areas of this map unit are wooded. Some of

the surface mined areas have been reclaimed and are

vegetated with grasses, legumes, and tree seedlings.

A few areas are used for urban development.

Although most areas of this map unit are unsuited

to agriculture, some of the less sloping areas on

ridgetops and some of the reclaimed coal mine areas

have limited suitability for pasture and hay. Surface

stones limit the suitability of many reclaimed surface

mines for hay cutting. Lack of surface water is a

limitation in pasture management for most surface

mined areas and ridgetop soils. Erosion control is a

major management concern. Conservation tillage and

good pasture management, such as rotational grazing,

help to control erosion.

The soils of this map unit are suited to timber

production; however, trees are not of harvestable size

in most surface mined areas. The most common tree

species are yellow-poplar, red maple, black locust,

sycamore, and birch. Plant competition and seedling

mortality are major management concerns affecting

planted seedlings in surface mined areas. The species

that are well suited to these soils are eastern white

pine, Virginia pine, black locust, yellow-poplar, and red

maple. The slope limits the use of equipment, and the

hazard of erosion is very severe on logging roads and

skid trails. Constructing roads and trails on a gentle

grade across the slope helps to control erosion.

The major soils are severely limited for community

development due to the slope, surface stones, and the

hazard of differential settling in surface mined areas.

Common limitations of the minor soils are the slope,

surface stones, differential settling, depth to bedrock,

flooding, and rapid permeability.

17

Dr. John Sencindiver, Professor of Agronomy, West Virginia

Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, helped prepare this

section.

The map units delineated on the detailed maps

represent the soils or miscellaneous areas in the

survey area. The map unit descriptions in this section,

along with the maps, can be used to determine the

suitability and potential of a unit for specific uses. They

also can be used to plan the management needed for

those uses. More information about each map unit is

given under the heading Use and Management of the

Soils.

A map unit delineation on a map represents an area

dominated by one or more major kinds of soil or

miscellaneous areas. A map unit is identified and

named according to the taxonomic classification of the

dominant soils or miscellaneous areas. Within a

taxonomic class there are precisely defined limits for

the properties of the soils. On the landscape, however,

the soils and miscellaneous areas are natural

phenomena, and they have the characteristic

variability of all natural phenomena. Thus, the range of

some observed properties may extend beyond the

limits defined for a taxonomic class. Areas of soils of a

single taxonomic class rarely, if ever, can be mapped

without including areas of other taxonomic classes.

Consequently, every map unit is made up of the soils

or miscellaneous areas for which it is named and

some included areas that belong to other taxonomic

classes.

Most included soils have properties similar to those

of the dominant soil or soils in the map unit, and thus

they do not affect use and management. These are

called noncontrasting, or similar, inclusions. They may

or may not be mentioned in the map unit description.

Other included soils and miscellaneous areas,

however, have properties and behavioral

characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to

require different management. These are called

contrasting, or dissimilar, inclusions. They generally

are in small areas and could not be mapped

separately because of the scale used. Some small

areas of strongly contrasting soils or miscellaneous

areas are identified by a special symbol on the maps.

The included areas of contrasting soils or

miscellaneous areas are mentioned in the map unit

descriptions. A few included areas may not have been

observed, and consequently they are not mentioned in

the descriptions, especially where the pattern was so

complex that it was impractical to make enough

observations to identify all the soils and miscellaneous

areas on the landscape.

The presence of included areas in a map unit in no

way diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the data.

The objective of mapping is not to delineate pure

taxonomic classes but rather to separate the

landscape into landforms or landform segments that

have similar use and management requirements. The

delineation of such segments on the map provides

sufficient information for the development of resource

plans, but if intensive use of small areas is planned,

onsite investigation is needed to define and locate the

soils and miscellaneous areas.

An identifying symbol precedes the map unit name

in the map unit descriptions. Each description includes

general facts about the unit and gives the principal

hazards and limitations to be considered in planning

for specific uses.

Soils that have profiles that are almost alike make

up a soil series. Except for differences in texture of the

surface layer, all the soils of a series have major

horizons that are similar in composition, thickness,

and arrangement.

Soils of one series can differ in texture of the

surface layer, slope, stoniness, salinity, degree of

erosion, and other characteristics that affect their use.

On the basis of such differences, a soil series is

divided into soil phases. Most of the areas shown on

the detailed soil maps are phases of soil series. The

name of a soil phase commonly indicates a feature

that affects use or management. For example,

Kaymine very channery loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes,

very stony, is a phase of the Kaymine series.

Some map units are made up of two or more major

soils or miscellaneous areas. These map units are

complexes, associations, or undifferentiated groups.

A complex consists of two or more soils or

miscellaneous areas in such an intricate pattern or in

such small areas that they cannot be shown

separately on the maps. The pattern and proportion of

Detailed Soil Map Units
18 Soil Survey

the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar

in all areas. Berks-Rock outcrop complex, extremely

steep, extremely stony, is an example.

An association is made up of two or more

geographically associated soils or miscellaneous

areas that are shown as one unit on the maps.

Because of present or anticipated uses of the map

units in the survey area, it was not considered

practical or necessary to map the soils or

miscellaneous areas separately. The pattern and

relative proportion of the soils or miscellaneous areas

are somewhat similar. Pineville-Berks association,

very steep, extremely stony, is an example.

An undifferentiated group is made up of two or

more soils or miscellaneous areas that could be

mapped individually but are mapped as one unit

because similar interpretations can be made for use

and management. The pattern and proportion of the

soils or miscellaneous areas in a mapped area are not

uniform. An area can be made up of only one of the

major soils or miscellaneous areas, or it can be made

up of all of them. Gilpin and Lily soils, 15 to 35 percent

slopes, is an undifferentiated group in this survey area.

Table 4 gives the acreage and proportionate extent

of each map unit. Other tables (see Contents) give

properties of the soils and the limitations, capabilities,

and potentials for many uses. The Glossary defines

many of the terms used in describing the soils or

miscellaneous areas.

BrFBerks-Rock outcrop complex,

extremely steep, extremely stony

This map unit consists of the moderately deep, well

drained Berks soil and outcrops of hard sandstone

and mudstone shale on mountainsides along the Tug

Fork and Dry Fork Rivers (fig. 3). It is about 50 percent

Berks soil, 30 percent Rock outcrop, and 20 percent

included soils. Slopes range from 55 to more than 80

percent. The areas of Berks soil and Rock outcrop are

so intermingled on the landscape that it was not

practical to map them separately. Relief ranges from

about 900 to 1,300 feet. The landscape is dissected by

numerous small drainageways. Stones cover 3 to 15

percent of the soil surface.

Typically, the surface layer of the Berks soil is dark

brown channery loam about 3 inches thick. The

subsoil is yellowish brown very channery loam 13

inches thick. The substratum is yellowish brown

extremely channery silt loam that extends to bedrock

at a depth of about 24 inches. Soft brown fractured,

rippable mudstone bedrock extends to a depth of 30

inches or more.

Rock outcrop consists of vertical or nearly vertical

exposures of hard sandstone or mudstone shale that

are as much as 50 feet or more high.

Included in this unit in mapping are areas of the well

drained Dekalb and Pineville soils. Dekalb soils are

commonly associated with areas of sandstone rock

outcrop near ridgetops and on convex ridge points.

Pineville soils typically occur on the lower side slopes

and in coves. Also included are a few small areas of

soils that have slopes of less than 55 percent or more

than 80 percent, areas that have more than 15 percent

of the soil surface covered by stones or boulders, and

areas of soils that have bedrock at a depth of less than

20 inches.

The available water capacity of the Berks soil is

very low or low. Natural fertility is low. Permeability is

moderately rapid. Runoff is very rapid. Reaction is

extremely acid to slightly acid throughout the profile.

Depth to bedrock is 20 to 40 inches.

Most areas of this map unit are wooded. A few

areas have been cleared for homesites and roads.

The Berks soil is not suited to cultivated crops or

hay and is difficult to manage for pasture. The slope,

stoniness, and areas of Rock outcrop restrict the use

of farm machinery. The hazard of erosion is very

severe.

The potential productivity for trees in areas of the

Berks soil is moderate on south-facing slopes and

moderately high on north-facing slopes. Timber stands

are dominantly scarlet oak, red oak, black oak,

chestnut oak, white oak, yellow-poplar, hickory, beech,

and red maple. In many areas, especially on southfacing slopes, the trees are poor in quality due to

repeated fire damage. Fire control is difficult because

of the long, very steep slopes and areas of Rock

outcrop, which offer little protection from the wind.

Access roads to mining areas and gas wells help in

fire control and in providing access to logging areas.

Erosion on gas well roads, logging roads, skid trails,

and log landings is a major management concern.

Building roads and skid trails on a gentle grade across

the slope, diverting surface water away from roads,

and seeding and mulching roads, skid trails, and log

landings after use help to control erosion. Specialized

equipment or management techniques, such as cable

yarding, that are adapted to very steep slopes should

be used in harvesting timber. Poor harvesting methods

can cause very severe erosion.

This map unit is suited to habitat for woodland

wildlife. Many areas support a moderate population of

grouse, turkey, squirrel, and whitetail deer. In many

areas, especially on north-facing coves and side

slopes, important understory vegetation consists of
McDowell County, West Virginia 19

cohosh, snakeroot, ginseng, trillium, mayapple, spring

beauty, and ferns.

This map unit is severely limited for recreational

development because of the extremely steep slopes

and areas of Rock outcrop.

Because of the extremely steep slopes and areas

of Rock outcrop, this map unit generally is unsuitable

for community development or industrial uses. As

slope increases, the risk of soil slippage or creep

becomes significant and cutting and filling becomes

hazardous. The hazard of erosion is very severe in

areas cleared for construction. The removal of

vegetative cover in construction areas should be kept

to a minimum. Establishing plant cover in unprotected

areas and providing a proper disposal system for

surface water help to control erosion and

sedimentation.

The capability subclass is VIIs.

CeBCedarcreek very channery loam, 3

to 15 percent slopes, very stony

This unit consists of a very deep, well drained soil in

areas that were surface mined for coal. It is on

mountaintops and mountain side slopes throughout

Figure 3.An area of Berks-Rock outcrop complex, extremely steep, extremely stony, near Bradshaw. This map unit has a very

severe hazard of erosion if vegetation is disturbed.
20 Soil Survey

the county, and it consists of areas of gently sloping

hilltops and benches. Stones cover 1 to 3 percent of

the surface.

Typically, the surface layer is brown very channery

loam about 2 inches thick. The substratum extends to

a depth of 65 inches or more. The upper part of the

substratum is grayish brown very channery or

extremely channery loam 35 inches thick. The lower

part is yellowish brown extremely channery loam 28

inches thick. Sandstone and mudstone make up

nearly equal portions of the total content of rock

fragments.

Included with this soil in mapping are a few small

areas of strongly sloping to very steep soils on

outslopes, small wet depressions, small areas of

rubble land on outslopes and in rock drains, and a few

areas of Rock outcrop on highwalls. Also included are

a few small areas of the well drained Gilpin and Lily

soils on adjacent ridgetops, areas of the well drained,

moderately deep Berks and Dekalb soils, and areas of

the very deep Kaymine, Itmann, and Sewell soils.

Included areas make up about 25 percent of this map

unit.

The available water capacity of the Cedarcreek soil

is low to high. Natural fertility is low. Permeability is

moderately rapid. Runoff is medium or rapid. In

unlimed areas, reaction is extremely acid to strongly

acid. Depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches.

Most areas of this soil support grasses and

legumes. Some of the older reclaimed areas support

small trees such as black locust, yellow-poplar, red

maple, eastern white pine, pitch pine, and Virginia

pine.

Because of the stones and boulders on the surface,

this soil generally is unsuitable for cultivated crops.

The ridgetop areas have limited suitability for hay and

pasture. Cutting hay crops higher than usual allows

machinery to clear stones, conserves soil moisture,

and reduces stress on plants. The areas used for

pasture have a severe hazard of erosion. In pasture

management, deferred grazing, rotational grazing,

applying lime and fertilizer as needed, and planting

desirable species help to maintain good forage and

control erosion.

The potential productivity of this soil for trees is

moderately high. In most areas the trees are young

and are not of harvestable size. The species that are

well suited to this soil are eastern white pine, Virginia

pine, black locust, yellow-poplar, red maple, hybrid

poplar, and paulownia. Seedling mortality and plant

competition are major management concerns. Planting

healthy seedlings with well developed root systems

and timing planting so that seedlings can benefit from

spring rains help to reduce seedling mortality rates.

Intensive management that prevents undesirable

plants from competing with native plants or planted

seedlings is necessary for the establishment of a

desirable stand. Access to some areas may be difficult

because of the surrounding very steep side slopes.

This soil has fair potential for habitat for woodland

wildlife. A variety of vegetation provides wildlife food

and cover, and the included small wet areas provide

water.

This soil has limited suitability for community

development because of the large stones and

boulders and the potential for differential settling.

Onsite investigation and testing are needed to

determine the limitations and suitabilities of this map

unit for development.

The capability subclass is VIs.

CrFCedarcreek-Rock outcrop complex,

very steep, extremely stony

This map unit consists of the very deep, well

drained Cedarcreek soil and exposures of bedrock in

areas that were surface mined for coal. The areas of

Cedarcreek soil and Rock outcrop are so intermingled

on the landscape that it was not practical to map them

separately. This unit is mostly on mountain side slopes

and consists of nearly vertical highwalls, gently sloping

and strongly sloping benches, and very steep

outslopes. The nearly vertical highwalls make up about

15 percent of this unit. The benches are commonly

concave and have slopes ranging from 3 to 25

percent. They make up about 25 percent of the unit. In

the outslope areas, stones and boulders cover 3 to 15

percent of the surface and slopes range from 35 to 80

percent. The outslopes make up about 60 percent of

the unit. This unit is about 65 percent Cedarcreek soil,

15 percent Rock outcrop, and 20 percent included

soils.

Typically, the surface layer of the Cedarcreek soil is

brown very channery loam about 2 inches thick. The

substratum extends to a depth of 65 inches or more.

The upper part of the substratum is grayish brown

very channery or extremely channery loam 35 inches

thick. The lower part is yellowish brown extremely

channery loam 28 inches thick. Sandstone and

mudstone make up nearly equal portions of the total

content of rock fragments.

Rock outcrop consists of bedrock exposures, or

highwalls, that have resulted from surface mining. The

highwalls are about 25 to 100 feet above the bench

floor and are vertical or nearly vertical.

Included in this unit in mapping are areas of soils

that have bedrock at a depth of less than 60 inches,
McDowell County, West Virginia 21

small wet depressions in the bench areas, and areas

on outslopes that have more than 15 percent of the

surface covered by stones and boulders. Also included

are areas of Berks and Dekalb soils near highwall

edges, areas of Pineville soils in coves, and small

areas of Kaymine, Sewell, and Itmann soils on

benches and outslopes.

The available water capacity of the Cedarcreek soil

is low to high. Natural fertility is low. Permeability is

moderately rapid. Runoff is medium or rapid on

benches and very rapid on outslopes. In unlimed

areas, reaction is extremely acid to strongly acid.

Depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches.

Many areas of the Cedarcreek soil are in woodland.

Many reclaimed areas support grasses and legumes.

Areas of Rock outcrop are generally barren.

Because of the slope, stones and boulders on the

surface, and the erosion hazard, the Cedarcreek soil

is unsuitable for cultivated crops and hay. The less

sloping bench areas have limited suitability for pasture.

Areas used for pasture have a severe hazard of

erosion. In pasture management, deferred grazing,

rotational grazing, applying lime and fertilizer as

needed, and planting desirable species help to

maintain good forage and control erosion.

The potential productivity for trees in areas of the

Cedarcreek soil is moderately high. In most areas the

trees are young and are not of harvestable size. The

species that are well suited to this soil are eastern

white pine, Virginia pine, black locust, yellow-poplar,

red maple, hybrid poplar, and paulownia. The very

steep slopes and areas of Rock outcrop severely limit

the use of equipment. A very severe hazard of erosion

and seedling mortality are major management

concerns. Planting healthy seedlings with well

developed root systems and timing planting so that

seedlings can benefit from spring rains help to reduce

seedling mortality rates and plant competition.

Intensive management that prevents undesirable

plants from competing with native plants or planted

seedlings is necessary for the establishment of a

desirable stand. Building roads and skid trails on a

gentle grade across the slope or in the less sloping

bench areas, diverting surface water away from roads,

and seeding and mulching roads, skid trails, and log

landings after use help to control erosion and

sedimentation. Access to some areas may be difficult

because of adjacent highwalls and the surrounding

very steep side slopes.

The Cedarcreek soil has fair potential for habitat for

woodland wildlife. A variety of vegetation provides food

and cover for wildlife, and small wet areas on benches

provide water. Many areas support good populations

of grouse.

Many areas of the Cedarcreek soil are used as

locations for underground coal mining. The bench

areas are used for access to the coal seam. Erosion

on roads and around mine sites is a major

management concern. Building roads on a gentle

grade across the slope, diverting surface water away

from roads, using sediment basins to collect runoff,

and seeding and mulching disturbed areas help to

control erosion and sedimentation.

Because of the slope, boulders, areas of Rock

outcrop, and the potential for differential settling, this

map unit is generally unsuited to community

development. Onsite investigation and testing are

needed to determine the limitations and potentials of

this unit for most uses.

The capability subclass is VIIs.

CvChavies loam

This map unit consists of a nearly level, well

drained soil. It occurs on high flood plains and terraces

of streams throughout the county and is subject to rare

flooding. Slopes range from 0 to 3 percent.

Typically, the surface layer is very dark grayish

brown loam about 4 inches thick. The subsoil extends

to a depth of 40 inches. The upper part of the subsoil

is dark brown fine sandy loam 5 inches thick. The

lower part is dark yellowish brown fine sandy loam and

sandy loam 31 inches thick. The substratum extends

to a depth of 65 inches or more and is dark yellowish

brown to yellowish brown loamy fine sand and fine

sandy loam.

Included with this soil in mapping are a few small

areas of the well drained, occasionally flooded Yeager

soils, which occur on the lower flood plains; areas of

the well drained Pineville soils, which occur on foot

slopes; areas of soils that have more than 35 percent

rock fragments in the solum; and areas of soils that

have slopes of more than 3 percent. Also included are

a few small areas of soils that have a high water table

within a depth of 2.5 feet. Included soils make up

about 20 percent of this map unit.

The available water capacity of the Chavies soil is

moderate or high. Natural fertility is medium.

Permeability is moderately rapid. Runoff is slow or

medium. The soil ranges from strongly acid to neutral

in the topsoil and the upper part of the subsoil and

from very strongly acid to moderately acid in the lower

part of the subsoil and in the substratum. Depth to

bedrock is more than 60 inches.

Many areas of this soil are cleared and used for

homesites, gardens, cultivated crops, or hay and

pasture. Some areas are wooded.
22 Soil Survey

This soil is well suited to cultivated crops, hay, and

pasture. It can produce a variety of early and late

season garden crops. Late spring frosts are a

management concern because of poor air drainage in

the narrow mountain valleys. Growing cover crops,

delaying tillage until the soil is relatively dry, and

mixing crop residue into the soil helps to maintain

fertility and tilth. Proper stocking rates, rotational

grazing, and deferment of grazing until the soil is

relatively firm are major needs in pasture

management.

This soil has high potential productivity for trees.

Common tree species include yellow-poplar,

sycamore, river birch, red maple, sugar maple, white

ash, American beech, red oak, and black oak. Plant

competition is a management concern. Intensive

management that prevents undesirable plants from

competing with native plants or planted seedlings is

necessary for the establishment of a desirable stand.

Areas of this soil used for haul roads, skid trails, and

log landings are subject to rutting unless they are

strengthened with gravel. Establishing wide filter strips

next to streams and seeding and mulching haul roads,

skid trails, and log landings after use help to control

erosion and sedimentation.

Recreational development for camp areas is limited

on this soil due to the hazard of flooding. Selecting

sites in included areas above the flood plain helps to

overcome this limitation. This soil is well suited to

picnic areas, paths, and playgrounds.

The hazard of flooding is the main limitation

affecting community development on this soil.

Establishing a plant cover in unprotected areas and

providing a proper disposal system for surface water

help to control stream scouring and sedimentation.

The capability class is I.

GlEGilpin and Lily soils, 15 to 35

percent slopes

This map unit consists of moderately steep and

steep, well drained soils on ridgetops. Some areas of

this unit are predominantly Gilpin soil, some are

predominantly Lily soil, and some contain both soils.

These soils were mapped together because they are

similar in use and management and have similar

interpretive properties. This unit is about 40 percent

Gilpin soil, 40 percent Lily soil, and 20 percent

included soils.

Typically, the surface layer of the Gilpin soil is dark

brown silt loam about 3 inches thick. The subsoil

extends to a depth of 31 inches. The upper part of the

subsoil is dark yellowish brown silt loam 3 inches thick.

The lower part is strong brown and yellowish brown silt

loam and channery silt loam 25 inches thick. The

substratum is strong brown and yellowish brown very

channery silt loam that extends to a depth of 37

inches. Soft yellowish and light olive brown siltstone

bedrock occurs at a depth of about 37 inches.

Typically, the surface layer of the Lily soil is very

dark grayish brown loam about 4 inches thick. The

subsoil extends to a depth of 32 inches. The upper

part of the subsoil is yellowish brown loam 7 inches

thick. The lower part is yellowish brown channery loam

21 inches thick. The substratum is yellowish brown

very channery loam. Moderately hard, fractured brown

sandstone bedrock is at a depth of about 38 inches.

Included in this unit in mapping are small areas of

the well drained Berks and Dekalb soils, a few areas

of the very deep, well drained Pineville soils, and a few

small areas of soils that have bedrock at a depth of

less than 20 inches. Also included are small areas of

soils that have surface stones and soils that have

slopes of less than 15 percent or more than 35

percent.

The available water capacity of the Gilpin soil is

moderate. Natural fertility is low or medium.

Permeability is moderate. Runoff is rapid or very rapid.

In unlimed areas this soil typically ranges from

extremely acid to strongly acid. In many areas it

ranges from moderately acid to neutral in the surface

layer due to repeated burning. Depth to bedrock is 20

to 40 inches.

The available water capacity of the Lily soil is

moderate or high. Natural fertility is low. Permeability is

moderately rapid. Runoff is rapid or very rapid. In

unlimed areas this soil ranges from extremely acid to

strongly acid throughout. In many areas it ranges from

moderately acid to neutral in the surface layer due to

repeated burning. Depth to sandstone bedrock is 20 to

40 inches.

Most areas of the Gilpin and Lily soils are wooded.

Some areas are cleared and used for homesites,

gardens, orchards, or hay and pasture (fig. 4).

These soils are not suited to cultivated crops and

have limited suitability for hay and pasture. The slope

restricts the use of farm machinery in most areas.

Proper stocking rates, rotational grazing, and

deferment of grazing until the soils are relatively firm

are major needs in pasture management. The hazard

of erosion is very severe in unprotected areas and on

farm access roads. Establishing a plant cover in areas

disturbed for orchard access helps to control erosion

and sedimentation.

These soils have moderately high potential

productivity for trees. Most areas have stands of oaks,

hickory, yellow-poplar, black locust, and red maple.
McDowell County, West Virginia 23

During wet periods, haul roads, skid trails, and log

landings may be subject to severe rutting unless they

are strengthened with gravel surfacing. Erosion on gas

well roads, logging roads, skid trails, and log landings

is a major management concern. Using the included

less sloping areas may help to overcome this

limitation. Building roads and skid trails on a gentle

grade across the slope, diverting surface water away

from roads, and seeding roads, skid trails, and log

landings after use help to control erosion.

Recreational development is limited on these soils

because of the slope.

The slope and depth to bedrock are the main

limitations affecting community development on these

soils. Selecting sites on included less sloping soils

may help to overcome this limitation. Depth to bedrock

Figure 4.Pasture and hayland in an area of Gilpin and Lily soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes. Careful management is required in this

map unit to prevent overgrazing and maintain productivity. The erosion hazard is very severe if the soils are disturbed.
24 Soil Survey

may be a management concern where cutting and

filling are required. Removal of vegetative cover on

construction sites should be kept to a minimum.

Establishing plant cover in unprotected areas and

providing a proper disposal system for surface water

help control erosion and sedimentation.

The capability subclass is VIe.

ItFItmann extremely channery sandy

loam, very steep

This map unit consists of a very deep, somewhat

excessively drained soil that formed mostly in coal and

high-carbon shale from coal mining. It is mostly on

mountainsides and on valley fills close to abandoned

and active coal mines. A few areas consist of valley

fills which impound water and coal slurry. Slopes range

from 20 to 80 percent but dominantly range from 35 to

80 percent. The top slopes are moderately steep, are

commonly narrow, and make up about 15 percent of

the unit. The outslopes are steep or very steep and

make up about 85 percent of the unit.

Typically, the surface layer is black extremely

channery sandy loam about 2 inches thick. The

substratum is black extremely channery loam or sandy

loam that extends to a depth of 65 inches or more.

Coal and other high-carbon fragments dominate the

total content of rock fragments.

Included with this soil in mapping are a few small

areas of the well drained Berks, Cedarcreek, Dekalb,

Kaymine, and Pineville soils. In some areas of this

map unit, the surface has been covered with topsoil

material and the surface layer has fewer rock

fragments than is typical for the Itmann soil. Also

included are areas of mine waste that are less acid

than the Itmann soil and areas that have burned or

that are burning. Included areas make up about 30

percent of this map unit.

The available water capacity of the Itmann soil is

very low to moderate. Natural fertility is low or medium.

Permeability is moderately rapid or rapid. Runoff is

very rapid. In unlimed areas, the soil ranges from

extremely acid to strongly acid. Depth to bedrock is

more than 60 inches.

Most areas of this map unit are barren. A few small

areas are vegetated with red maple, birch,

broomsedge, and weeds. The included areas of

burned or reddog material are used as a local source

of road subgrade and fill material.

Because of the slope, the low natural fertility, and a

very severe hazard of erosion, the Itmann soil is

unsuitable for cultivated crops, hay, and pasture. The

hazard of rill and gully erosion is extremely high. Steep

and very steep areas are very difficult to revegetate

because of excessive runoff, very low fertility, a very

low to moderate available water capacity, high soil

acidity, and high soil temperatures in the surface layer.

Using diversions for surface water control, seeding

acid-tolerant species, liming, fertilizing, timing planting

so that crops can benefit from spring rains, and heavy

mulching or topsoiling help to establish vegetation and

control erosion.

This soil has low potential productivity for trees. It

has very poor potential for habitat for woodland

wildlife.

Onsite investigation and testing are needed to

determine the limitations and potentials of this soil for

most uses.

The capability subclass is VIIs.

KaBKaymine very channery loam, 3 to

15 percent slopes, very stony

This map unit consists of a very deep, well drained

soil in areas that were surface mined for coal. It is on

mountaintops and includes gently sloping hilltops and

benches. Stones and boulders cover 1 to 3 percent of

the surface in most areas.

Typically, the surface layer is dark grayish brown

very channery loam about 4 inches thick. The

substratum extends to a depth of more than 65 inches.

The upper part of the substratum is dark grayish

brown very channery loam 6 inches thick. The lower

part is dark grayish brown extremely channery loam

59 inches thick. The content of rock fragments

consists of about equal portions of sandstone and

mudstone and includes about 5 percent or less coal

fragments.

Included with this soil in mapping are a few small

areas of strongly sloping to very steep soils on

outslopes, small areas of soils that have a seasonal

high water table, small areas that have more than 3

percent of the soil surface covered by stones and

boulders, and small areas of Rock outcrop on

highwalls. Also included are small areas of the very

deep Cedarcreek, Itmann, and Sewell soils; small

areas of the moderately deep Gilpin and Lily soils on

ridgetops; and areas of the moderately deep Berks

soils on the upper mountain side slopes. Included

areas make up about 20 percent of this map unit.

The available water capacity of the Kaymine soil is

low to high. Natural fertility is medium. Permeability is

moderate or moderately rapid in the substratum.

Runoff is medium or rapid. Reaction ranges from

moderately acid to mildly alkaline. Depth to bedrock is

more than 60 inches.

Most areas of this soil support grasses and

legumes. Some of the older reclaimed areas support
McDowell County, West Virginia 25

small trees such as black locust, yellow-poplar, red

maple, and eastern white pine.

Because of the stones and boulders on the surface,

this soil generally is unsuitable for cultivated crops.

The ridgetop areas have limited suitability for hay and

pasture. Cutting hay crops higher that usual allows

machinery to clear stones, conserves soil moisture,

and reduces stress on plants. The areas used for

pasture have a severe hazard of erosion. In pasture

management, deferred grazing, rotational grazing,

applying lime and fertilizer as needed, and planting

desirable species help to maintain good forage and

control erosion.

The potential productivity of this soil for trees is

moderately high. In most areas the trees are young

and are not of harvestable size. The species that are

well suited to this soil are eastern white pine, Virginia

pine, black locust, yellow-poplar, red maple, hybrid

poplar, and paulownia. Seedling mortality and plant

competition are major management concerns. Planting

healthy seedlings with well developed root systems

and timing planting so that seedlings can benefit from

spring rains help to reduce seedling mortality rates.

Intensive management that prevents undesirable

plants from competing with native plants or planted

seedlings is necessary for the establishment of a

desirable stand. Access to some areas may be difficult

because of the surrounding very steep side slopes.

This soil has fair potential for habitat for woodland

wildlife. A variety of vegetation provides wildlife food

and cover, and the included small wet areas provide

water.

This soil has limited suitability for community

development because of the large stones and

boulders and the potential for differential settling.

Onsite investigation and testing are needed to

determine the limitations and potentials of this unit for

most uses.

The capability subclass is VIs.

KcFKaymine-Cedarcreek-Dekalb

complex, very steep, extremely stony

This map unit consists of well drained soils on

mountain side slopes. The Cedarcreek and Kaymine

soils formed in materials from the surface mining of

coal. The Dekalb soil is in the unmined areas. The

areas of Kaymine, Cedarcreek, and Dekalb soils are

so intermingled on the landscape that it was not

practical to map them separately. The Kaymine and

Cedarcreek soils are on gently sloping or strongly

sloping benches and steep or very steep outslopes.

They are adjacent to nearly vertical highwalls. The

Dekalb soil is very steep and on the undisturbed

ridgetops, points, and side slopes. Slopes range from

3 to 35 percent in areas of the benches and from 35 to

80 percent in areas of the outslopes and side slopes.

Stones and boulders cover 3 to 15 percent of the

surface in most areas. Highwalls make up about 15

percent, benches 25 percent, and outslopes 60

percent of the surface mined areas. This unit is about

35 percent very deep Kaymine and similar soils, 25

percent very deep Cedarcreek and similar soils, 20

percent moderately deep Dekalb and similar soils, and

20 percent included soils and Rock outcrop.

Typically, the surface layer of the Kaymine soil is

dark brown very channery loam about 4 inches thick.

The substratum extends to a depth of more than 65

inches. In sequence downward it is dark grayish brown

very channery loam 6 inches thick, brown very

channery loam 21 inches thick, dark grayish brown

very channery loam 18 inches thick, and brown very

channery loam 11 inches thick. The content of rock

fragments consists of about equal portions of

sandstone and mudstone and includes about 5

percent or less coal fragments.

Typically, the surface layer of the Cedarcreek soil is

brown very channery loam about 2 inches thick. The

substratum extends to a depth of 65 inches or more.

The upper part of the substratum is grayish brown

very channery or extremely channery loam 35 inches

thick. The lower part is yellowish brown extremely

channery loam 28 inches thick. Sandstone and

mudstone make up nearly equal portions of the total

content of rock fragments.

Typically, the surface layer of the Dekalb soil is very

dark gray channery sandy loam about 3 inches thick.

The subsoil extends to a depth of 22 inches. The

upper part of the subsoil is dark yellowish brown

channery sandy loam 2 inches thick. The lower part is

light yellowish brown very channery loam 17 inches

thick. The substratum is yellowish brown very

channery sandy loam that extends to sandstone

bedrock at a depth of about 28 inches.

Included in this unit in mapping are areas of Rock

outcrop on vertical highwalls and small areas of the

well drained Berks, Gilpin, Lily, Sewell, and Pineville

soils and the somewhat excessively drained Itmann

soils. Also included are soils that have bedrock at a

depth of less than 20 inches, a few small areas of soils

that have a seasonal high water table, and soils that

have more than 15 percent of the surface covered by

stones.

The available water capacity of the Kaymine soil is

low to high. Natural fertility is medium. Permeability is

moderate or moderately rapid. Runoff is medium on

benches and very rapid on outslopes. Reaction ranges
26 Soil Survey

from moderately acid to mildly alkaline. Depth to

bedrock is more than 60 inches.

The available water capacity of the Cedarcreek soil

is low to high. Natural fertility is low. Permeability is

moderately rapid. Runoff is medium or rapid on

benches and very rapid on outslopes. In unlimed

areas, reaction ranges from extremely acid to strongly

acid. Depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches.

The available water capacity of the Dekalb soil is

very low to moderate. Natural fertility is low.

Permeability is rapid. Runoff is very rapid. Reaction is

extremely acid to strongly acid in the subsoil and

substratum. In some areas the soil is slightly acid in

the surface layer due to repeated burning. Depth to

sandstone bedrock is 20 to 40 inches.

Most areas of this map unit are in woodland. Some

areas support grasses and legumes.

Because of the slope, stones and boulders on the

surface, and the erosion hazard, this map unit is

unsuitable for cultivated crops and hay. The less

sloping bench areas of the Kaymine and Cedarcreek

soils have limited suitability for pasture. Areas used for

pasture have a severe hazard of erosion. In pasture

management, deferred grazing, rotational grazing,

applying lime and fertilizer as needed, and planting

desirable species help to maintain good forage and

control erosion.

The potential productivity of this map unit for trees

is moderate or moderately high. The unit is suited to

both coniferous and deciduous trees. In most areas

the trees are relatively young and are not of

harvestable size. The species that are well suited to

the soils in this unit are eastern white pine, Virginia

pine, black locust, yellow-poplar, red maple, hybrid

poplar, and paulownia. The very steep slopes and

areas of Rock outcrop severely limit the use of

equipment. A very severe hazard of erosion and

seedling mortality are major management concerns.

Planting healthy seedlings with well developed root

systems and timing planting so that seedlings can

benefit from spring rains help to reduce seedling

mortality rates and plant competition. Intensive

management that prevents undesirable plants from

competing with native plants or planted seedlings is

necessary for the establishment of a desirable stand.

Building roads and skid trails on a gentle grade across

the slope or in the less sloping bench areas, diverting

surface water away from roads, and seeding and

mulching roads, skid trails, and log landings after use

help to control erosion and sedimentation. Access to

some areas may be difficult because of adjacent

highwalls and very steep side slopes.

The vegetation on the Kaymine and Cedarcreek

soils is variable but commonly consists of black locust,

yellow-poplar, American sycamore, white pine, and

Virginia pine. The understory vegetation consists of

black birch, red maple, sourwood, sassafras,

blackberry, and multiflora rose. The vegetation on the

Dekalb soil commonly consists of chestnut oak,

scarlet oak, red maple, and black locust. Open areas

may be covered with grasses, legumes, and autumnolive.

This map unit has fair potential for habitat for

woodland wildlife. A variety of vegetation provides

excellent food and cover for wildlife, and the small wet

depressions on benches provide water. Many areas

support good populations of grouse.

Many areas of this map unit are used as locations

or access for underground coal mining. Erosion on

roads and around mine sites is a major management

concern. Building roads on a gentle grade across the

slope, using sediment basins to collect runoff, and

seeding and mulching disturbed areas help to control

erosion.

Because of the slope, boulders, and areas of Rock

outcrop, this map unit is generally unsuited to

community development. Due to the potential for

differential settling in bench areas, onsite investigation

and testing are needed to determine the limitations

and potentials of this unit for most uses.

The capability subclass is VIIs.

KrFKaymine-Rock outcrop complex,

very steep, extremely stony

This map unit consists of the very deep, well

drained Kaymine soil and exposures of bedrock in

areas that were surface mined for coal. The areas of

Kaymine soil and Rock outcrop are so intermingled on

the landscape that it was not practical to map them

separately. This unit is mostly on mountain side slopes

and consists of nearly vertical highwalls, gently sloping

or strongly sloping benches, and very steep outslopes.

The highwalls make up about 15 percent of the unit. In

the bench areas slopes are commonly concave and

range from 3 to 15 percent. The benches make up

about 25 percent of the unit. In the outslope areas

slopes are commonly convex and range from 35 to 80

percent. The outslopes make up about 60 percent of

the unit. Some areas of this map unit occur in areas of

mountaintop removal surface mines and have little or

no Rock outcrop. Stones and boulders cover 3 to 15

percent of the soil surface in most areas. This unit is

about 65 percent Kaymine soil, 15 percent Rock

outcrop, and 20 percent included soils.

Typically, the surface layer of the Kaymine soil is

dark brown very channery loam about 4 inches thick.
McDowell County, West Virginia 27

The substratum extends to a depth of more than 65

inches. In sequence downward it is dark grayish brown

very channery loam 6 inches thick, brown very

channery loam 21 inches thick, dark grayish brown

very channery loam 18 inches thick, and brown very

channery loam 11 inches thick. The content of rock

fragments consists of about equal portions of

sandstone and mudstone and includes about 5

percent or less coal fragments.

Rock outcrop consists of bedrock exposures, or

highwalls, that have resulted from surface mining. The

highwalls are about 25 to 100 feet above the bench

floor and are vertical or nearly vertical.

Included in this unit in mapping are areas of soils

that have bedrock at a depth of less than 60 inches,

small wet depressions in the bench areas, and areas

on outslopes that have more than 15 percent of the

surface covered by stones and boulders. Also included

are a few small areas of the Berks and Dekalb soils

near highwall edges, areas of Pineville soils in coves,

and small areas of Cedarcreek, Sewell, and Itmann

soils on benches and outslopes.

The available water capacity of the Kaymine soil is

low to high. Natural fertility is medium. Permeability is

moderate or moderately rapid in the substratum.

Runoff is medium or rapid on benches and very rapid

on outslopes. Reaction ranges from moderately acid to

mildly alkaline. Depth to bedrock is more than 60

inches.

Most areas of the Kaymine soil are in woodland.

Some of the reclaimed areas support grasses and

legumes. Areas of Rock outcrop are generally barren.

Because of the slope, stones and boulders on the

surface, and areas of Rock outcrop, the Kaymine soil

generally is unsuitable for cultivated crops and hay.

The less sloping bench areas have limited suitability

for pasture. Areas used for pasture have a very severe

hazard of erosion. In pasture management, deferred

grazing, rotational grazing, applying lime and fertilizer

as needed, and planting desirable species help to

maintain good forage and control erosion.

The potential productivity for trees in areas of the

Kaymine soil is moderately high. In most areas the

trees are young and are not of harvestable size. The

species that are well suited to this soil are eastern

white pine, Virginia pine, black locust, yellow-poplar,

red maple, hybrid poplar, and paulownia. The very

steep slopes and areas of Rock outcrop severely limit

the use of equipment. A very severe hazard of erosion

and seedling mortality are major management

concerns. Planting healthy seedlings with well

developed root systems and timing planting so that

seedlings can benefit from spring rains help to reduce

seedling mortality rates and plant competition.

Intensive management that prevents undesirable

plants from competing with native plants or planted

seedlings is necessary for the establishment of a

desirable stand. Building roads and skid trails on a

gentle grade across the slope or in the less sloping

bench areas, diverting surface water away from roads,

and seeding and mulching roads, skid trails, and log

landings after use help to control erosion and

sedimentation.

The vegetation on the Kaymine soil is variable but

commonly consists of black locust, yellow-poplar, red

maple, American sycamore, and eastern white pine.

The understory vegetation commonly consists of red

maple, redbud, blackberry, jewelweed, and multiflora

rose. Open areas may be covered with grasses,

legumes, and autumn-olive.

The Kaymine soil has fair potential for habitat for

woodland wildlife. A variety of vegetation provides

excellent food and cover for wildlife, and the small wet

areas on benches provide water. Many areas support

good populations of grouse.

Many areas of the Kaymine soil are used as

locations for underground coal mining. Erosion on

roads and around mine sites is a major management

concern. Building roads on a gentle grade across the

slope, using sediment basins to collect runoff, and

seeding and mulching disturbed areas help to control

erosion.

Because of the slope, boulders, areas of Rock

outcrop, and the potential for differential settling, this

map unit is generally unsuited to community

development. Onsite investigation and testing are

needed to determine the limitations and potentials of

this unit for most uses.

The capability subclass is VIIs.

LlCLily loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes

This map unit consists of a gently sloping or

strongly sloping, well drained, moderately deep soil on

broad ridgetops.

Typically, the surface layer is very dark grayish

brown loam about 4 inches thick. The subsoil extends

to a depth of 32 inches. The upper part of the subsoil

is yellowish brown loam 7 inches thick. The lower part

is yellowish brown channery loam 21 inches thick. The

substratum is yellowish brown very channery loam.

Moderately hard, fractured brown sandstone bedrock

is at a depth of about 38 inches.

Included with this soil in mapping are small areas of

the moderately deep, well drained Berks, Dekalb, and

Gilpin soils; a few small areas of the very deep, well

drained Pineville soils; and areas of soils that have
28 Soil Survey

bedrock at a depth of less than 20 inches or more than

40 inches. Also included are small areas of soils that

have 1 to 3 percent of their surface covered by stones

and a few areas of soils that have slopes of more than

15 percent. Included soils make up about 20 percent

of this map unit.

The available water capacity of the Lily soil is

moderate or high. Natural fertility is low. Permeability is

moderately rapid. Runoff is medium or rapid. In

unlimed areas this soil ranges from extremely acid to

strongly acid throughout. Depth to sandstone bedrock

is 20 to 40 inches.

Some areas of this soil are wooded. Many areas

are cleared and used for homesites, gardens, or hay

and pasture.

This soil is suited to cultivated crops, hay, and

pasture (fig. 5). A severe hazard of erosion in

unprotected areas and overgrazing are major

management concerns. In cultivated areas,

conservation tillage, using a crop sequence that

includes hay, and returning crop residue to the soil

help to control erosion and maintain fertility and tilth. In

pasture management, proper stocking rates, rotational

grazing, and deferment of grazing during dry periods

help to maintain desirable grasses and legumes and

control erosion.

This soil has moderate or moderately high potential

productivity for trees. Most areas have stands of oaks,

hickory, yellow-poplar, black locust, and red maple.

Erosion on gas well roads, logging roads, skid trails,

and log landings is a management concern. Building

roads and skid trails on a gentle grade across the

slope and seeding haul roads, skid trails, and log

landings help to control erosion and sedimentation.

Depth to bedrock is the main limitation affecting

community development on this soil. The depth to

sandstone bedrock may hinder excavations. Building

on the bedrock and landscaping with additional fill help

Figure 5.Pasture and hayland in an area of Lily loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes.
McDowell County, West Virginia 29

to overcome this limitation. Selecting sites in areas of

the deepest included soils, installing filter fields on the

contour, and planning a filter field that is larger than

normal help to overcome the bedrock limitation

affecting septic tank absorption fields. Removal of

vegetative cover should be kept to a minimum on

construction sites. Establishing a plant cover in

unprotected areas and providing a proper disposal

system for surface water help to control erosion and

sedimentation.

The capability subclass is IIIe.

PBFPineville-Berks association, very

steep, extremely stony

This map unit consists of well drained soils on

mountain side slopes and narrow ridgetops. It is about

40 percent Pineville soil, 35 percent Berks soil, and 25

percent included soils and Rock outcrop. Slopes range

from 35 to 100 percent but dominantly range from 35

to 80 percent. The Pineville soil is typically on the

middle and lower side slopes, on foot slopes, and in

coves. The Berks soil is typically on ridgetops and the

upper and convex side slopes. Relief ranges from

about 900 to more than 2,000 feet. The landscape is

dissected by numerous drainageways. Stones cover 3

to 15 percent of the surface in most areas.

Typically, the surface layer of the Pineville soil is

very dark brown channery loam about 4 inches thick.

The subsoil is brown and yellowish brown channery

loam about 40 inches thick. The substratum is dark

yellowish brown very channery sandy loam that

extends to a depth of 65 inches or more.

Typically, the surface layer of the Berks soil is dark

brown channery loam about 3 inches thick. The

subsoil is yellowish brown very channery loam 13

inches thick. The substratum is yellowish brown

extremely channery silt loam that extends to bedrock

at a depth of about 24 inches. Soft brown fractured,

rippable mudstone bedrock extends to a depth of 30

inches or more.

Included in this unit in mapping are a few small

areas of the well drained Gilpin, Lily, and Dekalb soils.

Also included are a few small areas of soils that have

slopes of less than 35 or more than 100 percent,

areas that have more than 15 percent of the soil

surface covered by stones or boulders, areas of very

deep soils that have more than 35 percent rock

fragments in the solum, areas of Rock outcrop, and

areas of soils that have bedrock at a depth of less than

20 inches. There are small areas of Cedarcreek,

Kaymine, and Sewell soils where surface mining

occurred after soil mapping or is occurring.

The available water capacity of the Pineville soil is

moderate or high. Natural fertility is medium.

Permeability is moderate. Runoff is very rapid.

Reaction ranges from extremely acid to strongly acid.

In some areas the soil is slightly acid in the surface

layer due to repeated burning. Depth to bedrock is

more than 60 inches.

The available water capacity of the Berks soil is

very low or low. Natural fertility is low. Permeability is

moderately rapid. Runoff is very rapid. Reaction

ranges from extremely acid to moderately acid in the

subsoil and substratum. In some areas the soil is

slightly acid in the surface layer due to repeated

burning. Depth to bedrock is 20 to 40 inches.

Most areas of this map unit are in woodland. Some

small areas have been cleared and are used for

homesites. A few small areas of the Pineville soil on

side slopes and foot slopes are used as pasture.

Because of the slope, surface stones, and a very

severe hazard of erosion, the Berks and Pineville soils

are unsuitable for cultivated crops and hay and are

difficult to manage for pasture. The slope and

stoniness restrict the use of farm machinery. Areas

used for pasture have a very severe hazard of erosion.

In pasture management, deferred grazing, rotational

grazing, applying lime and fertilizer as needed, and

planting desirable species help to maintain good

forage and control erosion.

The potential productivity for trees in areas of the

Pineville soil is moderately high on both south-facing

and north-facing slopes. Timber stands are dominantly

white oak, yellow-poplar, red oak, black oak, hickory,

American beech, white ash, and cucumbertree. The

potential productivity for trees in areas of the Berks

soil is moderate on south-facing slopes and

moderately high on north-facing slopes. Timber stands

are dominantly scarlet oak, black oak, chestnut oak,

white oak, hickory, yellow-poplar, and red maple. In

many areas the trees, especially those on south-facing

slopes, are poor in quality due to repeated fire

damage. Fire control is difficult because of the long,

very steep slopes, which offer little protection from the

wind. The fire hazards are increased by numerous

residential developments in the narrow valleys. Access

roads to mining areas and gas wells help in fire control

and in providing access to logging areas. Erosion on

gas well roads, logging roads, and skid trails and in

loading areas are major management concerns.

Building roads and skid trails on a gentle grade across

the slope, diverting surface water away from roads,

and seeding and mulching roads, skid trails, and log

landings after use help to control erosion. Specialized

equipment or management techniques that are

adapted to very steep slopes should be used in
30 Soil Survey

harvesting timber. Poor harvesting methods can cause

very severe erosion in harvested areas.

The Pineville and Berks soils are suited to habitat

for woodland wildlife. Many areas support a moderate

population of grouse, turkey, squirrel, and whitetail

deer. In many areas, especially in areas of northfacing coves and side slopes of the Pineville soil,

important understory vegetation consists of trillium,

mayapple, spring beauty, ginseng, and ferns.

The slope and stones on the surface severely limit

this map unit for recreational development.

Because of the very steep slopes and surface

stones, this map unit is generally unsuitable for

community development. The hazard of erosion is very

severe in areas cleared for construction. Establishing

plant cover in unprotected areas and providing a

proper disposal system for surface water help to

control erosion and sedimentation.

The capability subclass is VIIs.

PlEPineville-Lily complex, 15 to 35

percent slopes, very stony

This map unit consists of moderately steep and

steep, well drained soils on dissected foot slopes and

lower hillside benches. Stones and boulders cover 1 to

3 percent of the soil surface. This unit is about 60

percent Pineville and similar soils, 25 percent Lily and

similar soils, and 15 percent included soils and Urban

land. The Pineville and Lily soils are so intermingled on

the landscape that it was not practical to map them

separately.

Typically, the surface layer of the Pineville soil is

very dark brown channery loam about 4 inches thick.

The subsoil is brown and yellowish brown channery

loam about 40 inches thick. The substratum is dark

yellowish brown very channery sandy loam that

extends to a depth of 65 inches or more.

Typically, the surface layer of the Lily soil is very

dark grayish brown loam about 4 inches thick. The

subsoil extends to a depth of 32 inches. The upper

part of the subsoil is yellowish brown loam 7 inches

thick. The lower part is yellowish brown channery loam

21 inches thick. The substratum is yellowish brown

very channery loam. Moderately hard, fractured brown

sandstone bedrock is at a depth of about 38 inches.

Included in this unit in mapping are a few small

areas of the well drained Berks and Gilpin soils. Also

included are small areas of the very deep, well drained

Chavies and Yeager soils on low terraces and flood

plains, a few small areas of Urban land, a few areas

that have 3 to 15 percent surface stones, and a few

areas that have slopes of less than 15 percent or more

than 35 percent.

The available water capacity of the Pineville soil is

moderate or high. Natural fertility is medium.

Permeability is moderate. Runoff is very rapid.

Reaction ranges from extremely acid to strongly acid.

In some areas the soil is slightly acid in the surface

layer due to repeated burning. Depth to bedrock is

more than 60 inches.

The available water capacity of the Lily soil is

moderate or high. Natural fertility is low. Permeability is

moderately rapid. Runoff is medium or rapid. In

unlimed areas this soil ranges from extremely acid to

strongly acid throughout. Depth to sandstone bedrock

is 20 to 40 inches.

Most areas of the Pineville and Lily soils are

wooded. Many areas, however, are cleared and used

for homesites, gardens, or pasture.

Because of the slope and surface stones, these

soils are unsuitable for cultivated crops and hay and

are difficult to manage for pasture. The hazard of

erosion is severe in unprotected areas and is a major

management concern. In pasture management,

proper stocking rates, rotational grazing, and

deferment of grazing during dry periods and in the

spring until the soils are firm help to maintain desirable

grasses and legumes and control erosion.

These soils have moderate or moderately high

potential productivity for trees. Most areas have stands

of yellow-poplar, and some areas have stands of

northern red oak, hickory, white oak, black locust, and

beech. Erosion on gas well roads, logging roads, skid

trails, and log landings is a major management

concern. Building roads and skid trails on a gentle

grade across the slope and away from streams and

seeding haul roads, skid trails, and log landings help

to control erosion and sedimentation.

The slope is the main limitation affecting community

development on these soils. Selecting sites on the

included less sloping soils may help to overcome this

limitation. Cutting and filling may be restricted by depth

to bedrock in areas of the moderately deep Lily soil.

Removal of vegetative cover should be kept to a

minimum on construction sites. Establishing a plant

cover in unprotected areas and providing a proper

disposal system for surface water help to control

erosion and sedimentation.

The capability subclass is VIIs.

SeBSewell extremely channery sandy

loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very

stony

This map unit consists of a very deep, somewhat

excessively drained soil in ridgetop areas that were

surface mined for coal. It is mostly on mountaintops in
McDowell County, West Virginia 31

the northern and eastern parts of the county. In the

outslope areas, slopes are commonly convex and

range from 35 to 80 percent. Stones and boulders

cover 0.1 to 3 percent of the surface in most areas.

Typically, the surface layer is yellowish brown

extremely channery sandy loam about 7 inches thick.

The substratum is yellowish brown and dark yellowish

brown extremely channery sandy loam that extends to

a depth of 65 inches or more. The total content of rock

fragments consists of about 95 percent sandstone and

5 percent mudstone.

Included with this soil in mapping are soils that have

bedrock at a depth of less than 60 inches, a few areas

of the moderately deep Dekalb and Lily soils near the

edges of ridgetops, and a few areas of the very deep

Pineville soils in coves. Also included are some small

areas of the very deep Cedarcreek and Itmann soils

on benches and outslopes, small depressional areas

that have a seasonal high water table, small areas of

very steep outslopes, areas of soils that are less acid

in the control section than the Sewell soil, and areas

that have sand textures. Included areas make up

about 30 percent of this map unit.

The available water capacity of the Sewell soil is

very low to moderate. Natural fertility is low.

Permeability is moderately rapid or rapid in the

substratum. In some areas compaction during

reclamation activities has resulted in slow infiltration

and permeability rates in the upper part of the soil.

Runoff is medium or rapid. In unlimed areas reaction

ranges from extremely acid to strongly acid. Depth to

bedrock is more than 60 inches.

Most areas of this soil support grasses and

legumes. Some of the older reclaimed areas support

small trees such as black locust, red maple, yellowpoplar, and sourwood.

Because of the stones and boulders on the surface

and the low natural fertility, this soil generally is

unsuitable for cultivated crops. The ridgetop areas

have limited suitability for hay and pasture. Cutting hay

crops higher than usual allows machinery to clear

stones, conserves soil moisture, and reduces stress

on plants. Areas used for pasture have a severe

hazard of erosion. In pasture management, deferred

grazing, rotational grazing, applying lime and fertilizer

as needed, and planting desirable species help to

maintain good forage and control erosion.

The potential productivity of this soil for trees is

moderately high. In most areas the trees are young

and are not of harvestable size. The species that are

well suited to this soil are eastern white pine, Virginia

pine, black locust, yellow-poplar, and red maple.

Seedling mortality and plant competition are major

management concerns. Planting healthy seedlings

with well developed root systems and timing planting

so that seedlings can benefit from spring rains help to

reduce seedling mortality rates. Intensive

management that prevents undesirable plants from

competing with native plants or planted seedlings is

necessary for the establishment of a desirable stand.

Access to some areas may be limited by the

surrounding very steep side slopes.

This soil has fair potential for habitat for woodland

wildlife. A variety of vegetation provides wildlife food

and cover, and the small wet areas provide water.

This soil has limited suitability for community

development because of the large stones and

boulders and the potential for differential settling.

Onsite investigation and testing are needed to

determine the limitations and suitabilities of this unit for

development.

The capability subclass is VIs.

SrFSewell-Rock outcrop complex, very

steep, extremely stony

This map unit consists of the very deep, somewhat

excessively drained Sewell soil and exposed bedrock

in areas that were surface mined for coal. The areas of

Sewell soil and Rock outcrop are so intermingled on

the landscape that it was not practical to map them

separately. This unit is mostly on mountaintops and

side slopes in the northern and eastern parts of the

county. It consists of nearly vertical highwalls, gently

sloping or strongly sloping benches, and very steep

outslopes. The nearly vertical highwalls make up about

15 percent of this unit. In the bench areas, slopes are

commonly concave and range from 3 to 25 percent.

The benches make up about 25 percent of the unit. In

the outslope areas, stones and boulders cover 3 to 15

percent of the surface and slopes range from 35 to 80

percent. The outslopes make up about 60 percent of

this unit. This unit is about 65 percent Sewell soil, 15

percent Rock outcrop, and 20 percent included soils.

Typically, the surface layer of the Sewell soil is

yellowish brown extremely channery sandy loam

about 7 inches thick. The substratum is yellowish

brown and dark yellowish brown extremely channery

sandy loam that extends to a depth of 65 inches or

more. The total content of rock fragments consists of

about 95 percent sandstone and 5 percent mudstone.

Rock outcrop consists of exposures of brown

sandstone bedrock that have resulted from surface

mining. The highwalls are about 25 to 75 feet above

the bench floor and are vertical or nearly vertical.

Included in this unit in mapping are areas of soils

that have bedrock at a depth of less than 60 inches,
32 Soil Survey

small wet depressions in the bench areas, and areas

on outslopes that have more than 15 percent of the

surface covered by stones and boulders. Also included

are areas of Berks and Dekalb soils near highwall

edges, areas of Pineville soils in coves, and small

areas of Cedarcreek, Kaymine, and Itmann soils on

benches and outslopes.

The available water capacity of the Sewell soil is

very low to moderate. Natural fertility is low.

Permeability is moderately rapid or rapid in the

substratum. In some areas compaction during

reclamation activities has resulted in slow infiltration

and permeability rates in the upper part of the soil.

Runoff is medium or rapid on benches and very rapid

on outslopes. In unlimed areas reaction ranges from

extremely acid to strongly acid. Depth to bedrock is

more than 60 inches.

Most areas of the Sewell soil support grasses and

legumes. Some of the older reclaimed areas support

small trees such as black locust, red maple, yellowpoplar, and sourwood.

Because of the slope, stones and boulders on the

surface, and the erosion hazard, the Sewell soil is

unsuitable for cultivated crops and hay. The less

sloping bench areas have limited suitability for pasture.

Areas used for pasture have a severe hazard of

erosion. In pasture management, deferred grazing,

rotational grazing, applying lime and fertilizer as

needed, and planting desirable species help to

maintain good forage and control erosion.

The potential productivity for trees in areas of the

Sewell soil is moderately high. In most areas the trees

are young and are not of harvestable size. The species

that are well suited to this soil are eastern white pine,

Virginia pine, black locust, yellow-poplar, red maple,

and hybrid poplar. The very steep slopes and areas of

Rock outcrop severely limit the use of equipment. A

very severe hazard of erosion and seedling mortality

are major management concerns. Planting healthy

seedlings with well developed root systems and timing

planting so that seedlings can benefit from spring rains

help to reduce seedling mortality rates and plant

competition. Intensive management that prevents

undesirable plants from competing with native plants

or planted seedlings is necessary for the

establishment of a desirable stand. Building roads and

skid trails on a gentle grade across the slope or in the

less sloping bench areas, diverting surface water away

from roads, and seeding and mulching roads, skid

trails, and log landings after use help to control erosion

and sedimentation. Access to some areas may be

difficult because of adjacent highwalls and the very

steep slopes.

The Sewell soil has fair potential for habitat for

woodland wildlife. A variety of vegetation provides

wildlife food and cover, and the small wet areas on

benches provide water. Many areas support good

populations of grouse.

Many areas of the Sewell soil are used as locations

for underground coal mining. The bench areas are

used for access to the coal seam. Erosion on roads

and around mine sites is a major management

concern. Building roads on a gentle grade across the

slope, diverting surface water away from roads, using

sediment basins to collect runoff, and seeding and

mulching disturbed areas help to control erosion and

sedimentation.

Because of the slope, boulders, areas of Rock

outcrop, and the potential for differential settling, this

map unit is generally unsuited to community

development. Onsite investigation and testing are

needed to determine the limitations and potentials of

this unit for most uses.

The capability subclass is VIIs.

UdUdorthents, smoothed

This map unit is nearly level to very steep and

consists of mixed soil material and rock fragments in

areas that have been excavated, graded, or filled. It

occurs throughout the county. Slopes range from 0 to

80 percent.

This map unit commonly consists of gray, brown,

and yellow soil material that generally is mottled. In

most areas the material is loamy, but in a few areas it

is sandy. Depth to bedrock is variable but is commonly

more than 60 inches in filled areas.

Included in this unit in mapping are a few small

areas of the well drained Berks, Cedarcreek, Chavies,

Kaymine, Pineville, and Yeager soils and the

somewhat excessively drained Itmann and Sewell

soils. Also included are a few small areas that have a

seasonal high water table and areas of Urban land.

Due to the variable nature of Udorthents, it is not

practical to estimate physical or chemical properties.

Runoff ranges from slow to very rapid, depending on

slope. The natural fertility of the soil material is

generally low.

This map unit is not used for cultivated crops, hay,

or pasture. Some areas support grasses, legumes,

weeds, or young trees, such as black locust, red

maple, sumac, and yellow-poplar.

Due to the variable composition of this map unit,

onsite investigation and testing is necessary to

determine the suitabilities and limitations of the unit for

any purpose. Removal of vegetative cover should be

kept to a minimum on construction sites. Establishing
McDowell County, West Virginia 33

a plant cover in unprotected areas and providing a

proper disposal system for surface water help to

control erosion and sedimentation.

This map unit is not assigned a capability subclass.

UrUrban land-Chavies complex

This map unit consists of areas of Urban land and

areas of the nearly level, well drained Chavies soil. It

occurs on high flood plains of streams throughout the

county. This unit is subject to rare flooding, except

where urban areas are developed on fill material

above the normal level of the Chavies soil. Slopes

range from 0 to 3 percent. This unit is about 45

percent Urban land, 35 percent Chavies soil, and 20

percent included soils. The areas of Urban land and

Chavies soil are so intermingled that it was not

practical to map them separately.

Urban land consists of land covered by highways,

streets, parking lots, buildings, railroad tracks, coal

cleaning plants, and other structures of urban

development.

Typically, the surface layer of the Chavies soil is

very dark grayish brown loam about 4 inches thick.

The subsoil extends to a depth of 40 inches. The

upper part of the subsoil is dark brown fine sandy

loam 5 inches thick. The lower part is dark yellowish

brown fine sandy loam and sandy loam 31 inches

thick. The substratum extends to a depth of 65 inches

or more and is dark yellowish brown to yellowish

brown loamy fine sand and fine sandy loam.

Included in this unit in mapping are a few small

areas of the somewhat excessively drained Itmann

soils, areas of the occasionally flooded Yeager soils on

low flood plains, areas of the well drained Pineville

soils on foot slopes, areas of soils that have more than

35 percent rock fragments in the solum, and areas of

soils that have slopes of more than 3 percent. Also

included are a few small areas of soils that have a high

water table within a depth of 2.5 feet.

The available water capacity of the Chavies soil is

moderate or high. Natural fertility is medium.

Permeability is moderately rapid. Runoff is slow or

medium. The soil ranges from strongly acid to neutral

in the topsoil and the upper part of the subsoil and

from very strongly acid to moderately acid in the lower

part of the subsoil and in the substratum. Depth to

bedrock is more than 60 inches.

Most areas of this map unit are used for homesites

and industrial or commercial structures. Some areas

of the Chavies soil are used for gardens, and a few

small areas are wooded or idle.

The Chavies soil is well suited to gardens. It can

produce a variety of early and late season garden

crops. Late spring frosts are a management concern

because of poor air drainage in the narrow mountain

valleys. Growing cover crops, delaying tillage until the

soil is relatively dry, and mixing crop residue into the

soil helps to maintain fertility and tilth.

Recreational development for camp areas is limited

on the Chavies soil due to the hazard of flooding.

Selecting sites in the included areas above the flood

plain helps to overcome this limitation. The Chavies

soil is well suited to picnic areas, paths, and

playgrounds.

The hazard of flooding is the main limitation

affecting community development on the Chavies soil.

Establishing a plant cover in unprotected areas and

providing a proper disposal system for surface water

help to control stream scouring and sedimentation.

This map unit is not assigned a capability subclass.

YeYeager fine sandy loam

This map unit consists of a nearly level, well

drained soil. It occurs on low flood plains of streams

throughout the county and is subject to occasional

flooding. Slopes range from 0 to 3 percent.

Typically, the surface layer is dark brown fine sandy

loam about 4 inches thick. The substratum extends to

a depth of 65 inches or more. The upper part of the

substratum is dark yellowish brown fine sandy loam

and loamy fine sand 10 inches. The next part is

yellowish brown and dark yellowish brown loamy sand

and loamy fine sand 42 inches thick. The lower part,

about 9 inches thick, is dark yellowish brown cobbly

loamy sand and cobbly sandy loam having

redoximorphic features.

Included with this soil in mapping are a few small

areas of the rarely flooded Chavies soils, areas of

frequently flooded soils, soils that have a surface layer

of loamy sand, areas of fill material, areas of soils that

have more than 35 percent rock fragments, and areas

of soils that have slopes of more than 3 percent. Also

included are a few small areas of soils in depressions

at the base of foot slopes that have a seasonal high

water table and are commonly less than 2 acres in

size. Included areas make up about 25 percent of this

map unit.

The available water capacity of the Yeager soil is

very low to moderate. Natural fertility is moderate.

Permeability is moderately rapid or rapid. Runoff is

slow or medium. The soil ranges from strongly acid to

mildly alkaline. Depth to bedrock is more than 60

inches.

Many areas of this soil are wooded. Some areas

are used for cultivated crops or hay and pasture. A few

areas are used for homesites or recreation (fig. 6).
34 Soil Survey

This soil is suited to cultivated crops, hay, and

pasture. It can produce a variety of early and late

season garden crops. It is easily tilled and can be

worked at many moisture levels. Late spring frosts are

a management concern because of poor air drainage

in the narrow mountain valleys. This soil may not have

a sufficient moisture-holding capacity for some crops

during dry years. Crops in some areas are subject to

damage from flooding; however, most flooding occurs

during winter and early spring. Growing cover crops

and mixing crop residue into the soil helps to maintain

fertility and tilth. Proper stocking rates, rotational

grazing, and deferment of grazing until the soil is

relatively firm are major needs in pasture

management.

This soil has high potential productivity for trees.

Common tree species include yellow-poplar,

sycamore, river birch, red maple, sugar maple, white

Figure 6.An area of Yeager fine sandy loam used as a golf course.

ash, and American beech and, in some stands, red

oak and black oak. Plant competition is a management

concern. Intensive management that prevents

undesirable plants from competing with native plants

or planted seedlings is necessary for the

establishment of a desirable stand. Areas of this soil

used for log landings are subject to rutting unless they

are strengthened with gravel. Establishing wide filter

strips next to streams and seeding landings after use

help to control erosion and sedimentation.

Recreational development for camp areas is

severely limited on this soil because of the flooding.

The flooding is a moderate limitation affecting

playground development. Selecting sites in the

included areas above the flood plain that do not have

surface stones helps to overcome this limitation. This

map unit is suited to picnic areas and to hiking paths

and trails.
McDowell County, West Virginia 35

The hazard of flooding is the main limitation

affecting dwellings and septic tank absorption fields on

this soil. The moderately rapid or rapid permeability is

another limitation affecting septic tank absorption

fields. Selecting a site on better suited soils that are

protected from flooding helps to overcome this

limitation. Establishing a plant cover in unprotected

areas and providing a proper disposal system for

surface water help to control stream scouring and

sedimentation.

The capability subclass is IIw.

37

This soil survey is an inventory and evaluation of

the soils in the survey area. It can be used to adjust

land uses to the limitations and potentials of natural

resources and the environment. Also, it can help to

prevent soil-related failures in land uses.

In preparing a soil survey, soil scientists,

conservationists, engineers, and others collect

extensive field data about the nature and behavioral

characteristics of the soils. They collect data on

erosion, droughtiness, flooding, and other factors that

affect various soil uses and management. Field

experience and collected data on soil properties and

performance are used as a basis for predicting soil

behavior.

Information in this section can be used to plan the

use and management of soils for crops and pasture;

as woodland; as sites for buildings, sanitary facilities,

highways and other transportation systems, and parks

and other recreational facilities; and for wildlife habitat.

It can be used to identify the potentials and limitations

of each soil for specific land uses and to help prevent

construction failures caused by unfavorable soil

properties.

Generally, the soils in McDowell County that are

well suited to crops are also well suited to urban uses.

The data concerning specific soils in the county can

be used in planning future land use patterns. The

potential for farming should be considered relative to

any soil limitations and the potential for nonfarm

development.

Planners and others using soil survey information

can evaluate the effect of specific land uses on

productivity and on the environment in all or part of the

survey area. The survey can help planners to maintain

or create a land use pattern in harmony with the

natural soil.

Contractors can use this survey to locate sources

of sand and gravel, roadfill, and topsoil. They can use

it to identify areas where bedrock, wetness, or very

firm soil layers can cause difficulty in excavation.

Health officials, highway officials, engineers, and

others may also find this survey useful. The survey

can help them plan the safe disposal of wastes and

locate sites for pavements, sidewalks, campgrounds,

playgrounds, lawns, and trees and shrubs.

Crops and Pasture

Richard Heaslip, State Resource Conservationist, Natural

Resources Conservation Service, helped prepare this section.

General management needed for crops and pasture

is suggested in this section. The crops or pasture

plants best suited to the soils, including some not

commonly grown in the survey area, are identified; the

system of land capability classification used by the

Natural Resources Conservation Service is explained;

the estimated yields of the main crops, hay, and

pasture plants are listed for each soil; and prime

farmland is described.

Planners of management systems for individual

fields or farms should consider the detailed

information given in the description of each soil under

Detailed Soil Map Units. Specific information can be

obtained from the local office of the Natural Resources

Conservation Service or the Cooperative Extension

Service.

Some general principles of management apply to all

soils suitable for farm crops and pasture, although

individual soils or groups of soils require different kinds

of management.

Most of the soils in McDowell County have a

medium or low supply of basic plant nutrients, and

applications of lime and fertilizer are needed. The

amounts to be applied depend on the soil, cropping

history, type of crop grown, level of desired yields, and

results of soil tests and analyses.

The organic matter content is low in most cultivated

soils in the county, and building it to a higher amount

generally is not feasible. It is important, however, to

maintain current amounts by adding farm manure,

using crop residue, and growing sod crops, cover

crops, and green manure crops. Because the recycling

and composting of materials traditionally considered

waste increases the organic matter content,

maintenance and improvement may become more

feasible on some soils. Land application of organic

materials presents new opportunities and challenges

which require increased levels of management. In

some cases, such as the land application of sewage

sludge, planning and consultation with government

Use and Management of the Soils
38 Soil Survey

health and environmental regulatory agencies may be

necessary.

Tillage tends to break down soil structure and

should be kept to a minimum, only that needed to

prepare the seedbed and control weeds. Maintaining

the organic matter content of the plow layer also helps

to maintain soil structure.

Runoff and erosion occur mainly during the growing

season or soon after a crop has been harvested. The

larger the area of soil exposed to precipitation and

runoff, the greater the occurrence of erosion. All of the

gently sloping and steeper soils that are cultivated are

subject to erosion and thus require a suitable cropping

system for erosion control. The main management

needs of such a system are proper rotation of crops,

conservation tillage, crop residue management, the

use of cover crops and green manure crops, and

application of lime and fertilizer. Other major erosioncontrol practices are contour cultivation, diversions for

runoff, and grassed waterways. The effectiveness of a

particular combination of these measures differs from

one soil to another, but different combinations can be

equally effective on the same soil.

Using the soils for pasture can be effective in

controlling erosion in most areas. However, a high

level of pasture management, including the application

of lime and fertilizer, controlled grazing, and careful

selection of pasture mixtures, is needed to provide

enough ground cover to prevent erosion. Good forage

cover is maintained by limiting grazing to a minimum

height of 3 inches, rotating pastures in use by livestock

to allow forage regrowth, and using reasonable

stocking rates. For some soils, plant mixtures that

require minimal renovation are needed to maintain

good ground cover and forage for grazing. On many

soils deferred grazing is needed during dry periods to

achieve maximum forage production and erosion

protection.

Several areas in McDowell County have very

productive orchards (fig. 7). On strongly sloping or

steeper soils, runoff, erosion, and drift from pesticides

are significant management concerns. Areas of bare

soil between rows and individual trees and on access

roads increase the hazards of runoff and erosion and

reduce the amount of moisture available to crop trees.

Maintaining ground cover helps to control erosion and

the subsequent loss of nutrients in runoff and helps to

increase the infiltration rate. As a result, more nutrients

and moisture can be available to crop trees. Properly

constructing roads so that the flow of runoff is

controlled helps to reduce the erosion hazard and

make road maintenance and use easier. Where

orchards are on sloping ridgetops and upper side

slopes, minimizing pesticide use and spraying during

periods of low winds help to prevent damage caused

by the drift of agricultural chemicals.

Many small areas in McDowell County are used for

home gardens. Good garden soils are nearly level or

gently sloping, loamy, and moderately permeable and

have a high available water capacity. Maintaining or

improving the organic matter content by addition of

compost or by methods used for cultivated crops

improves fertility, tilth, and the moisture-holding

capacity. Most soils in the survey area require

additions of lime to obtain the desired pH level. Soil

reaction should be kept between 6.0 and 7.0 for most

garden plants. Rotation of different garden plants and

garden plots and the use of cover crops during idle

periods or fallow years help to maintain fertility and

minimize disease. Erosion is a major management

concern where gardens are on sloping, cultivated

soils. Surface water diversions, contour cultivation, the

use of cover crops and green manure crops, and

additions of lime and fertilizer help to control erosion

and maintain fertility and tilth.

Yields per Acre

The average yields per acre that can be expected

of the principal crops under a high level of

management are shown in table 5. In any given year,

yields may be higher or lower than those indicated in

the table because of variations in rainfall and other

climatic factors. The land capability classification of

each map unit also is shown in the table.

The yields are based mainly on the experience and

records of farmers, conservationists, and extension

agents. Available yield data from nearby counties and

results of field trials and demonstrations are also

considered.

The management needed to obtain the indicated

yields of the various crops depends on the kind of soil

and the crop. Management can include drainage,

erosion control, and protection from flooding; the

proper planting and seeding rates; suitable highyielding crop varieties; appropriate and timely tillage;

control of weeds, plant diseases, and harmful insects;

favorable soil reaction and optimum levels of nitrogen,

phosphorus, potassium, and trace elements for each

crop; effective use of crop residue, barnyard manure,

and green manure crops; and harvesting that ensures

the smallest possible loss.

A high level of management includes maintaining

proper soil reaction and fertility levels as indicated by

standard soil tests. The application rate of nitrogen for

corn on soils that have a yield potential of 125 to 150

bushels per acre should be 140 to 160 pounds per
McDowell County, West Virginia 39

acre. If the yield potential for corn is 100 bushels per

acre or less, a rate of 100 to 120 pounds of nitrogen

per acre should be used. The application of nitrogen in

excess of that required for potential yields generally is

not recommended. The excess nitrogen fertilizer that

is not utilized by the crop is an unnecessary expense

and causes a hazard of water pollution. If corn or

cotton is grown after the harvest of soybeans or

peanuts, nitrogen rates can be reduced by about 20 to

30 pounds per acre. Because nitrogen can be readily

leached from sandy soils, applications may be needed

on these soils more than once during the growing

season.

The estimated yields reflect the productive capacity

of each soil for each of the principal crops. Yields are

likely to increase as new production technology is

developed. The productivity of a given soil compared

with that of other soils, however, is not likely to

change.

Crops other than those shown in table 5 are grown

in the survey area, but estimated yields are not listed

because the acreage of such crops is small. The local

office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service

or of the Cooperative Extension Service can provide

information about the management and productivity of

the soils for those crops.

Figure 7.An apple orchard in winter that is maintained on the contour, in an area of Gilpin and Lily soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes.

Carefully maintaining roads on the contour allows access to orchards, helps to slow runoff and thus conserve moisture, and

minimizes erosion and sedimentation.
40 Soil Survey

Land Capability Classification

Land capability classification shows, in a general

way, the suitability of soils for most kinds of field crops.

Crops that require special management are excluded.

The soils are grouped according to their limitations for

field crops, the risk of damage if they are used for

crops, and the way they respond to management. The

criteria used in grouping the soils do not include major

and generally expensive landforming that would

change slope, depth, or other characteristics of the

soils, nor do they include possible but unlikely major

reclamation projects. Capability classification is not a

substitute for interpretations designed to show

suitability and limitations of groups of soils for

woodland and for engineering purposes.

In the capability system, soils are generally grouped

at three levelscapability class, subclass, and unit.

Only class and subclass are used in this survey.

Capability classes, the broadest groups, are

designated by numerals I through VIII. The numerals

indicate progressively greater limitations and narrower

choices for practical use. The classes are defined as

follows:

Class I soils have few limitations that restrict their

use.

Class II soils have moderate limitations that reduce

the choice of plants or that require moderate

conservation practices.

Class III soils have severe limitations that reduce

the choice of plants or that require special

conservation practices, or both.

Class IV soils have very severe limitations that

reduce the choice of plants or that require very careful

management, or both.

Class V soils are not likely to erode but have other

limitations, impractical to remove, that limit their use.

Class VI soils have severe limitations that make

them generally unsuitable for cultivation.

Class VII soils have very severe limitations that

make them unsuitable for cultivation.

Class VIII soils and miscellaneous areas have

limitations that nearly preclude their use for

commercial crop production.

Capability subclasses are soil groups within one

class. They are designated by adding a small letter, e,

w, s, or c, to the class numeral, for example, IIe. The

letter e shows that the main hazard is the risk of

erosion unless close-growing plant cover is

maintained; w shows that water in or on the soil

interferes with plant growth or cultivation (in some soils

the wetness can be partly corrected by artificial

drainage); s shows that the soil is limited mainly

because it is shallow, droughty, or stony; and c, used

in only some parts of the United States, shows that the

chief limitation is climate that is very cold or very dry.

In class I there are no subclasses because the soils

of this class have few limitations. Class V contains only

the subclasses indicated by w, s, or c because the

soils in class V are subject to little or no erosion. They

have other limitations that restrict their use to pasture,

woodland, wildlife habitat, or recreation.

The acreage of soils in each capability class and

subclass is shown in table 6. The capability

classification of each map unit is given in the section

Detailed Soil Map Units and in the yields table.

Prime Farmland

Prime farmland is one of several kinds of important

farmland defined by the U.S. Department of

Agriculture. It is of major importance in meeting the

Nations short- and long-range needs for food and

fiber. Because the supply of high-quality farmland is

limited, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recognizes

that responsible levels of government, as well as

individuals, should encourage and facilitate the wise

use of our Nations prime farmland.

Prime farmland, as defined by the U.S. Department

of Agriculture, is land that has the best combination of

physical and chemical characteristics for producing

food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops and is

available for these uses. It could be cultivated land,

pastureland, forest land, or other land, but it is not

urban or built-up land or water areas. The soil qualities,

growing season, and moisture supply are those

needed for the soil to economically produce sustained

high yields of crops when proper management,

including water management, and acceptable farming

methods are applied. In general, prime farmland has

an adequate and dependable supply of moisture from

precipitation or irrigation, a favorable temperature and

growing season, acceptable acidity or alkalinity, an

acceptable salt and sodium content, and few or no

rocks. It is permeable to water and air. It is not

excessively erodible or saturated with water for long

periods, and it either is not frequently flooded during

the growing season or is protected from flooding. The

slope ranges mainly from 0 to 6 percent. More detailed

information about the criteria for prime farmland is

available at the local office of the Natural Resources

Conservation Service.

The survey area has about 385 acres that meet the

soil requirements for prime farmland. This acreage

makes up about 0.1 percent of the county. Areas of

this land are scattered along streams and rivers.

Because this land is of relatively small extent, it does

not account for a dominant portion of the agricultural

output in McDowell County.
McDowell County, West Virginia 41

The map unit in the survey area that meets the

requirements for prime farmland is Chavies loam. This

does not constitute a recommendation for a particular

land use. The extent of the map unit is shown in table

4. The location is shown on the detailed soil maps. The

soil qualities that affect use and management are

described under the heading Detailed Soil Map Units.

Woodland Management and Productivity

Lewis Rowan, State Staff Forester, Natural Resources

Conservation Service, and Raymond Arnold, Service Forester,

helped prepare this section.

Woodland in McDowell County makes up 312,900

acres, or about 91 percent of the total area (3). The

tracts range from small woodlots to corporate-owned

forests consisting of several thousand acres. Panther

Creek State Forest is the largest parcel of

government-owned forest land in McDowell County.

The oak-hickory forest type is the dominant forest

type in McDowell County. Many different tree species,

however, occur in the county. They vary according to

soil type, aspect, and landform. Oaks, hickories,

beech, red maple, blackgum, cucumbertree, and

basswood generally occur throughout the county. In

coves hemlock, yellow-poplar, buckeye, and some

white ash and sugar maple may occur. Along ridges

chestnut oak, scarlet oak, black oak, Virginia pine,

pitch pine, shortleaf pine, and red maple are dominant

because they can tolerate wind and drought. Pioneer

species such as sassafras, sourwood, dogwood,

sumac, blackgum, red maple, black locust, redbud,

and pines commonly grow in disturbed areas that have

been revegetated. On strip mines, white pines and

bigtooth aspen may be planted and many pioneer

species occur. Other species that are relatively rare or

occur in scattered areas are black cherry, black

walnut, yellow oak, hackberry, and butternut.

Forests and forest products are an important part of

the economy in McDowell County (fig. 8). Although

there are no full-time sawmills currently in operation,

much marketable lumber is harvested in the county

and milled at other locations and the county has a

number of smaller, part-time sawmills in operation.

Kiln-dried lumber is produced in large quantities at a

dry kiln near Roderfield (14).

The single largest problem affecting forest

productivity and quality in McDowell County is the

recurrent forest fires. When leaf litter and understory

burn, trees are damaged at all growth stages. Some

fire-damaged trees die within a relatively short time.

Most fire-damaged trees, however, are wounded, and

whole stands are rendered worthless due to the onset

of disease and the subsequent decline in quality and

productivity. In addition, once leaf litter is burned off

the very steep slopes, which occur throughout most of

McDowell County, erosion is commonly very severe.

As a result, site productivity declines even more and

water quality is degraded due to sedimentation. Thus,

forest fires commonly affect forest, soil, and water

resources in McDowell County for many years after

they occur. The West Virginia Division of Forestry

currently has many programs in place in an effort to

prevent and fight forest fires.

The aspect of most soils having slopes of more

than 15 percent has a significant effect on the potential

productivity for trees. North aspects face in any

compass direction from 315 to 135 degrees; south

aspects face in any compass direction from 135 to 315

degrees. A soil having a north aspect generally is

more moist and subject to less extreme variation in

temperature than a soil having a south aspect, and it

has a productivity rating that is one unit greater than

that of the same soil on a south aspect. Aspect also

affects the occurrence of tree species and the degree

of management concerns. In particular, soils on south

aspects are more prone to forest fires, which usually

burn hotter and more completely on south slopes than

on north slopes. Thus, timber on soils having a south

aspect commonly suffers more damage from fires than

that on north-facing sites.

Many reclaimed surface mines and mine spoil

areas have been planted to white pines and other

species. Most of these stands of trees are relatively

young and not of economic significance at present.

The map unit descriptions in this publication identify

the typical dominant tree species in each map unit. In

some cases, significant understory vegetation in the

map unit is also identified.

Table 7 can be used by woodland owners or forest

managers in planning the use of soils for wood crops.

Only those soils suitable for wood crops are listed. The

table lists the ordination symbol for each soil. Soils

assigned the same ordination symbol require the

same general management and have about the same

potential productivity.

The first part of the ordination symbol, a number,

indicates the potential productivity of the soils for an

indicator tree species. The number indicates the

volume, in cubic meters per hectare per year, that the

indicator species can produce in a pure stand under

natural conditions. The larger the number, the greater

the potential productivity. The number 1 indicates low

potential productivity; 2 or 3, moderate; 4 or 5,

moderately high; 6 to 8, high; 9 to 11, very high; and

12 or more, extremely high. The second part of the

symbol, a letter, indicates the major kind of soil

limitation. The letter R indicates steep slopes; X,
42 Soil Survey

stones or rocks on the surface; W, excess water in or

on the soil; T, excessive alkalinity, acidity, sodium salts,

or other toxic substances in the soil; D, restricted

rooting depth caused by bedrock, a hardpan, or other

restrictive layer; S, sandy texture; and F, a high content

of rock fragments in the soil. The letter A indicates that

limitations or restrictions are insignificant. If a soil has

more than one limitation, the priority is as follows: R,

X, W, T, D, S, and F.

In table 7, slight, moderate, and severe indicate the

degree of the major soil limitations to be considered in

management.

Erosion hazard is the probability that damage will

occur as a result of site preparation or harvesting

operations where the soil is exposed along roads, skid

roads, and fire lanes and in log-handling areas.

Forests that have been burned or overgrazed are also

subject to erosion. Ratings of the erosion hazard are

based on the percent of the slope and on the erosion

factor K shown in table 15. A rating of slight indicates

that under normal conditions no particular measures

are needed to prevent erosion. A rating of moderate

indicates that special precautions are needed to

control erosion in most silvicultural activities. A rating

of severe indicates that special precautions are

needed to control erosion in most silvicultural

activities.

The proper construction and maintenance of roads,

trails, landings, and fire lanes and the use of

alternative harvesting techniques, such as cable

yarding, help to overcome the erosion hazard.

Equipment limitation reflects the characteristics and

conditions of the soil that restrict the use of the

equipment generally needed in woodland

Figure 8.A relatively young stand of white oak in an area of Pineville-Berks association, very steep, extremely stony. Major forest

management considerations for this map unit are erosion, fire prevention and control, and equipment limitations.
McDowell County, West Virginia 43

management and harvesting. The chief characteristics

and conditions considered in the rating are slope, rock

outcrops, texture of the surface layer, slippage, soil

wetness, stones and boulders on the surface, and

flooding. A rating of slight indicates that under normal

conditions the kind of equipment and season of use

are not significantly restricted by soil factors. Soil

wetness can restrict equipment use, but the wet period

does not exceed 3 months. A rating of moderate

indicates that equipment use is moderately restricted

because of one or more soil factors. If the soil is wet,

the wetness restricts equipment use for a period of 3

to 6 months. A rating of severe indicates that

equipment use is severely restricted either as to the

kind of equipment that can be used or the season of

use. If the soil is wet, the wetness restricts equipment

use for more than 6 months. In McDowell County,

slope is commonly a severe restriction to equipment

operability.

Using the most appropriate equipment and timing

harvesting and other management operations so that

seasonal limitations are minimal help to overcome the

equipment limitation. Innovative harvesting techniques,

such as cable yarding, can help to overcome the

equipment limitation on very steep soils.

Seedling mortality refers to the probability of death

of naturally occurring or planted tree seedlings, as

influenced by the kinds of soil or topographic

conditions. The factors used in rating the soils for

seedling mortality are texture of the surface layer,

depth to a high water table and the length of the period

when the water table is high, rock fragments in the

surface layer, effective rooting depth, and slope

aspect. A rating of slight indicates that under normal

conditions expected seedling mortality is less than 25

percent. A rating of moderate indicates that the

expected mortality is 25 to 50 percent. Extra

precautions are advisable. A rating of severe indicates

that the expected mortality is more than 50 percent.

Extra precautions are important. Replanting may be

necessary.

The use of special planting stock and special site

preparation, such as bedding, furrowing, and surface

drainage, help to reduce seedling mortality rates.

Plant competition ratings indicate the degree to

which undesirable species are expected to invade and

grow when openings are made in the tree canopy. The

main factors that affect plant competition are depth to

the water table and the available water capacity. A

rating of slight indicates that competition from

undesirable plants is not likely to prevent natural

regeneration or suppress the more desirable species.

Planted seedlings can become established without

undue competition. A rating of moderate indicates that

competition may delay the establishment of desirable

species. Competition may hamper stand development,

but it will not prevent the eventual development of fully

stocked stands. A rating of severe indicates that

competition can be expected to prevent regeneration

unless precautionary measures are applied.

Adequate site preparation before planting the new

crop can help to reduce plant competition. Where

forest land is to be naturally regenerated by local

species, harvesting practices other than strict

diameter limit cuts or high grading can improve the

success of desirable species. The West Virginia

Division of Forestry can provide information on

recommended forest management practices.

The potential productivity of merchantable or

common trees on a soil is expressed as site index and

average annual growth. The site index is the average

height, in feet, that dominant and codominant trees of

a given species attain in 50 years. The site index

applies to natural, fully stocked, even-aged,

unmanaged stands. Commonly grown trees are those

that woodland managers generally favor in

intermediate or improvement cuttings. They are

selected on the basis of growth rate, quality, value,

and marketability.

The average annual growth, which varies according

to stand vigor and other factors, is equal to total

volume growth at rotation age. Yield data are based on

site indices of natural stands at age 50 using the

International 1

/4 Log Rule and standard rough cords.

This information should be used for planning only. The

average annual growth is given for some of the

common trees and is expressed as cubic feet, board

feet, and cords per acre (7).

The first tree species listed under common trees for

a soil is the indicator species for that soil. It generally

is the most common species on the soil and is the one

that determines the ordination class.

Recreation

The soils of the survey area are rated in table 8

according to the limitations that affect their suitability

for recreation. The ratings are based on restrictive soil

features, such as wetness, slope, and texture of the

surface layer. Susceptibility to flooding is considered.

Not considered in the ratings, but important in

evaluating a site, are the location and accessibility of

the area, the size and shape of the area and its scenic

quality, vegetation, access to water, potential water

impoundment sites, and access to public sewer lines.

The capacity of the soil to absorb septic tank effluent

and the ability of the soil to support vegetation are also

important. Soils subject to flooding are limited for
44 Soil Survey

recreational uses by the duration and intensity of

flooding and the season when flooding occurs. In

planning recreational facilities, onsite assessment of

the height, duration, intensity, and frequency of

flooding is essential.

In table 8, the degree of soil limitation is expressed

as slight, moderate, or severe. Slight means that soil

properties are generally favorable and that limitations

are minor and easily overcome. Moderate means that

limitations can be overcome or alleviated by planning,

design, or special maintenance. Severe means that

soil properties are unfavorable and that limitations can

be offset only by costly soil reclamation, special

design, intensive maintenance, limited use, or a

combination of these measures.

The information in table 8 can be supplemented by

other information in this survey, for example,

interpretations for septic tank absorption fields in table

11 and interpretations for dwellings without basements

and for local roads and streets in table 10.

Camp areas require site preparation, such as

shaping and leveling the tent and parking areas,

stabilizing roads and intensively used areas, and

installing sanitary facilities and utility lines. Camp

areas are subject to heavy foot traffic and some

vehicular traffic. The best soils have gentle slopes and

are not wet or subject to flooding during the period of

use. The surface has few or no stones or boulders,

absorbs rainfall readily but remains firm, and is not

dusty when dry. Strong slopes and stones or boulders

can greatly increase the cost of constructing

campsites.

Picnic areas are subject to heavy foot traffic. Most

vehicular traffic is confined to access roads and

parking areas. The best soils for picnic areas are firm

when wet, are not dusty when dry, are not subject to

flooding during the period of use, and do not have

slopes or stones or boulders that increase the cost of

shaping sites or of building access roads and parking

areas.

Playgrounds require soils that can withstand

intensive foot traffic. The best soils are almost level

and are not wet or subject to flooding during the period

of use. The surface is free of stones and boulders, is

firm after rains, and is not dusty when dry. If grading is

needed, the depth of the soil over bedrock should be

considered.

Paths and trails for hiking and horseback riding

should require little or no cutting and filling. The best

soils are not wet, are firm after rains, are not dusty

when dry, and are not subject to flooding more than

once a year during the period of use. They have

moderate slopes and few or no stones or boulders on

the surface.

Golf fairways are subject to heavy foot traffic and

some light vehicular traffic. Cutting or filling may be

required. The best soils for use as golf fairways are

firm when wet, are not dusty when dry, and are not

subject to prolonged flooding during the period of use.

They have moderate slopes and no stones or boulders

on the surface. The suitability of the soil for tees or

greens is not considered in rating the soils.

Wildlife Habitat

Gary A. Gwinn, State Biologist, Natural Resources

Conservation Service, helped prepare this section.

McDowell County is primarily forest land; more than

90 percent of its area is under forest cover. Wildlife

species inhabiting in the county are dominantly

species that prefer woodland habitat. A little openland

habitat exists and provides food and cover for such

animals as cottontail rabbit and bobwhite quail. Areas

of grasses and shrubs on reclaimed surface mines

make up the most common form of openland and can

provide important edge habitat in this heavily wooded

county.

Common game species in McDowell County

include gray squirrel, ruffed grouse, and relatively

small but growing numbers of whitetail deer and wild

turkey. Furbearers in the county include gray fox,

raccoon, muskrat, and striped skunk and a few beaver,

mink, and bobcats.

McDowell County has few cold-water streams that

can support trout. The notable exceptions are Elkhorn

Creek and Jacobs Fork, which are known for their

populations of rainbow trout and brown trout. Most of

the other streams in the county are limited by their

size and by pollution and cannot provide significant

warm-water fisheries.

Several songbird species inhabit McDowell County,

including numerous species of wood warblers. The

county also has several species of reptiles and

amphibians.

Soils affect the kind and amount of vegetation that

is available to wildlife as food and cover. They also

affect the construction of water impoundments. The

kind and abundance of wildlife depend largely on the

amount and distribution of food, cover, and water.

Wildlife habitat can be created or improved by planting

appropriate vegetation, by maintaining the existing

plant cover, or by promoting the natural establishment

of desirable plants.

In table 9, the soils in the survey area are rated

according to their potential for providing habitat for

various kinds of wildlife. This information can be used

in planning parks, wildlife refuges, nature study areas,
McDowell County, West Virginia 45

and other developments for wildlife; in selecting soils

that are suitable for establishing, improving, or

maintaining specific elements of wildlife habitat; and in

determining the intensity of management needed for

each element of the habitat. The ratings in table 9 are

intended to be used as a guide and are not site

specific. Onsite investigation is needed for individual

management plans.

The potential of the soil is rated good, fair, poor, or

very poor. A rating of good indicates that the element

or kind of habitat is easily established, improved, or

maintained. Few or no limitations affect management,

and satisfactory results can be expected. A rating of

fair indicates that the element or kind of habitat can be

established, improved, or maintained in most places.

Moderately intensive management is required for

satisfactory results. A rating of poor indicates that

limitations are severe for the designated element or

kind of habitat. Habitat can be created, improved, or

maintained in most places, but management is difficult

and must be intensive. A rating of very poor indicates

that restrictions for the element or kind of habitat are

very severe and that unsatisfactory results can be

expected. Creating, improving, or maintaining habitat

is impractical or impossible.

The elements of wildlife habitat are described in the

following paragraphs.

Grain and seed crops are domestic grains and

seed-producing herbaceous plants. Soil properties

and features that affect the growth of grain and seed

crops are depth of the root zone, texture of the surface

layer, available water capacity, wetness, slope, surface

stoniness, and flooding. Soil temperature and soil

moisture are also considerations. Examples of grain

and seed crops are corn, wheat, oats, and barley.

Grasses and legumes are domestic perennial

grasses and herbaceous legumes. Soil properties and

features that affect the growth of grasses and legumes

are depth of the root zone, texture of the surface layer,

available water capacity, wetness, surface stoniness,

flooding, and slope. Soil temperature and soil moisture

are also considerations. Examples of grasses and

legumes are fescue, lovegrass, bromegrass, clover,

and alfalfa.

Wild herbaceous plants are native or naturally

established grasses and forbs, including weeds. Soil

properties and features that affect the growth of these

plants are depth of the root zone, texture of the

surface layer, available water capacity, wetness,

surface stoniness, and flooding. Soil temperature and

soil moisture are also considerations. Examples of wild

herbaceous plants are bluestem, goldenrod,

beggarweed, wheatgrass, and asters.

Hardwood trees and woody understory produce

nuts or other fruit, buds, catkins, twigs, bark, and

foliage. Soil properties and features that affect the

growth of hardwood trees and shrubs are depth of the

root zone, available water capacity, and wetness.

Examples of these plants are oak, yellow-poplar,

cherry, sweetgum, apple, hawthorn, dogwood, hickory,

blackberry, and blueberry. Examples of fruit-producing

shrubs that are suitable for planting on soils rated

good are Russian-olive, mountain ash, viburnums, and

crabapple.

Coniferous plants furnish browse and seeds. Soil

properties and features that affect the growth of

coniferous trees, shrubs, and ground cover are depth

of the root zone, available water capacity, and

wetness. Examples of coniferous plants are pine,

spruce, fir, cedar, and hemlock.

Wetland plants are annual and perennial wild

herbaceous plants that grow on moist or wet sites.

Submerged or floating aquatic plants are excluded.

Soil properties and features affecting wetland plants

are texture of the surface layer, wetness, reaction,

salinity, slope, and surface stoniness. Examples of

wetland plants are smartweed, cattail, Saint-Johnswort, cordgrass, rushes, sedges, and reeds.

Shallow water areas have an average depth of less

than 5 feet. Some are naturally wet areas. Others are

created by dams, levees, or other water-control

structures. Soil properties and features affecting

shallow water areas are depth to bedrock, wetness,

surface stoniness, slope, and permeability. Examples

of shallow water areas are marshes, waterfowl feeding

areas, and ponds.

The habitat for various kinds of wildlife is described

in the following paragraphs.

Habitat for openland wildlife consists of cropland,

pasture, and areas that are overgrown with grasses,

herbs, shrubs, and vines. These areas produce grain

and seed crops, grasses and legumes, and wild

herbaceous plants. Wildlife attracted to these areas

include bobwhite quail, pheasant, whitetail deer,

meadowlark, field sparrow, cottontail, and red fox.

Habitat for woodland wildlife consists of areas of

deciduous plants or coniferous plants or both and

associated grasses, legumes, and wild herbaceous

plants. Wildlife attracted to these areas include wild

turkey, ruffed grouse, woodcock, thrushes,

woodpeckers, squirrels, gray fox, raccoon, deer, and

bear.

Habitat for wetland wildlife consists of open, marshy

or swampy shallow water areas. Some of the wildlife

attracted to such areas are ducks, geese, herons,

muskrat, mink, and beaver.
46 Soil Survey

Engineering

Michael M. Blaine, State Conservation Engineer, Natural

Resources Conservation Service, helped prepare this section.

This section provides information for planning land

uses related to urban development and to water

management. Soils are rated for various uses, and the

most limiting features are identified. Ratings are given

for building site development, sanitary facilities,

construction materials, and water management. The

ratings are based on observed performance of the

soils and on the estimated data and test data in the

Soil Properties section.

Information in this section is intended for land use

planning, for evaluating land use alternatives, and for

planning site investigations prior to design and

construction. The information, however, has limitations.

For example, estimates and other data generally apply

only to that part of the soil within a depth of 5 or 6 feet.

Because of the map scale, small areas of different

soils may be included within the mapped areas of a

specific soil.

The information is not site specific and does not

eliminate the need for onsite investigation of the soils

or for testing and analysis by personnel experienced in

the design and construction of engineering works.

Government ordinances and regulations that

restrict certain land uses or impose specific design

criteria were not considered in preparing the

information in this section. Local ordinances and

regulations should be considered in planning, in site

selection, and in design.

Soil properties, site features, and observed

performance were considered in determining the

ratings in this section. During the fieldwork for this soil

survey, determinations were made about grain-size

distribution, liquid limit, plasticity index, soil reaction,

depth to bedrock, hardness of bedrock within 5 or 6

feet of the surface, soil wetness, depth to a high water

table, slope, likelihood of flooding, natural soil structure

aggregation, and soil density. Data were collected

about kinds of clay minerals, mineralogy of the sand

and silt fractions, and the kind of adsorbed cations.

Estimates were made for erodibility, permeability,

corrosivity, shrink-swell potential, available water

capacity, and other behavioral characteristics affecting

engineering uses.

This information can be used to evaluate the

potential of areas for residential, commercial,

industrial, and recreational uses; make preliminary

estimates of construction conditions; evaluate

alternative routes for roads, streets, highways,

pipelines, and underground cables; evaluate

alternative sites for sanitary landfills, septic tank

absorption fields, and sewage lagoons; plan detailed

onsite investigations of soils and geology; locate

potential sources of gravel, sand, earthfill, and topsoil;

plan drainage systems, irrigation systems, ponds,

terraces, and other structures for soil and water

conservation; and predict performance of proposed

small structures and pavements by comparing the

performance of existing similar structures on the same

or similar soils.

The information in the tables, along with the soil

maps, the soil descriptions, and other data provided in

this survey, can be used to make additional

interpretations.

Some of the terms used in this soil survey have a

special meaning in soil science and are defined in the

Glossary.

Building Site Development

Table 10 shows the degree and kind of soil

limitations that affect shallow excavations, dwellings

with and without basements, small commercial

buildings, local roads and streets, and lawns and

landscaping. The limitations are considered slight if

soil properties and site features are generally

favorable for the indicated use and limitations are

minor and easily overcome; moderate if soil properties

or site features are not favorable for the indicated use

and special planning, design, or maintenance is

needed to overcome or minimize the limitations; and

severe if soil properties or site features are so

unfavorable or so difficult to overcome that special

design, significant increases in construction costs, and

possibly increased maintenance are required. Special

feasibility studies may be required where the soil

limitations are severe.

Shallow excavations are trenches or holes dug to a

maximum depth of 5 or 6 feet for basements, graves,

utility lines, open ditches, and other purposes. The

ratings are based on soil properties, site features, and

observed performance of the soils. The ease of

digging, filling, and compacting is affected by the depth

to bedrock or a very firm, dense layer; stone content;

soil texture; and slope. The time of the year that

excavations can be made is affected by the depth to a

high water table and the susceptibility of the soil to

flooding. The resistance of the excavation walls or

banks to sloughing or caving is affected by soil texture

and depth to the high water table.

Dwellings and small commercial buildings are

structures built on shallow foundations on undisturbed

soil. The load limit is the same as that for single-family

dwellings no higher than three stories. Ratings are

made for small commercial buildings without

basements, for dwellings with basements, and for
McDowell County, West Virginia 47

dwellings without basements. The ratings are based

on soil properties, site features, and observed

performance of the soils. A high water table, flooding,

shrinking and swelling, and organic layers can cause

the movement of footings. Depth to a high water table,

depth to bedrock, large stones, and flooding affect the

ease of excavation and construction. Landscaping and

grading that require cuts and fills of more than 5 or 6

feet are not considered.

Local roads and streets have an all-weather surface

and carry automobile and light truck traffic all year.

They have a subgrade of cut or fill soil material; a base

of gravel, crushed rock, or stabilized soil material; and

a flexible or rigid surface. Cuts and fills are generally

limited to less than 6 feet. The ratings are based on

soil properties, site features, and observed

performance of the soils. Depth to bedrock, depth to a

high water table, flooding, large stones, and slope

affect the ease of excavating and grading. Soil

strength (as inferred from the engineering

classification of the soil), shrink-swell potential, frost

action potential, and depth to a high water table affect

the traffic-supporting capacity.

Lawns and landscaping require soils on which turf

and ornamental trees and shrubs can be established

and maintained. The ratings are based on soil

properties, site features, and observed performance of

the soils. Soil reaction, depth to a high water table,

depth to bedrock, and the available water capacity in

the upper 40 inches affect plant growth. Flooding,

wetness, slope, stoniness, and the amount of sand,

clay, or organic matter in the surface layer affect

trafficability after vegetation is established.

Sanitary Facilities

Table 11 shows the degree and the kind of soil

limitations that affect septic tank absorption fields,

sewage lagoons, and sanitary landfills. The limitations

are considered slight if soil properties and site features

are generally favorable for the indicated use and

limitations are minor and easily overcome; moderate if

soil properties or site features are not favorable for the

indicated use and special planning, design, or

maintenance is needed to overcome or minimize the

limitations; and severe if soil properties or site features

are so unfavorable or so difficult to overcome that

special design, significant increases in construction

costs, and possibly increased maintenance are

required.

Table 11 also shows the suitability of the soils for

use as daily cover for landfill. A rating of good

indicates that soil properties and site features are

favorable for the use and that good performance and

low maintenance can be expected; fair indicates that

soil properties and site features are moderately

favorable for the use and one or more soil properties

or site features make the soil less desirable than the

soils rated good; and poor indicates that one or more

soil properties or site features are unfavorable for the

use and overcoming the unfavorable properties

requires special design, extra maintenance, or costly

alteration.

Septic tank absorption fields are areas in which

effluent from a septic tank is distributed into the soil

through subsurface tiles or perforated pipe. Only that

part of the soil between depths of 24 and 72 inches is

evaluated. The ratings are based on soil properties,

site features, and observed performance of the soils.

Permeability, depth to a high water table, depth to

bedrock, and flooding affect absorption of the effluent.

Large stones and bedrock interfere with installation.

Unsatisfactory performance of septic tank

absorption fields, including excessively slow

absorption of effluent, surfacing of effluent, and hillside

seepage, can affect public health. Ground water can

be polluted if highly permeable sand and gravel or

fractured bedrock is less than 4 feet below the base of

the absorption field, if slope is excessive, or if the

water table is near the surface. There must be

unsaturated soil material beneath the absorption field

to filter the effluent effectively. Many local ordinances

require that this material be of a certain thickness.

Sewage lagoons are shallow ponds constructed to

hold sewage while aerobic bacteria decompose the

solid and liquid wastes. Lagoons should have a nearly

level floor surrounded by cut slopes or embankments

of compacted soil. Lagoons generally are designed to

hold the sewage within a depth of 2 to 5 feet. Nearly

impervious soil material for the lagoon floor and sides

is required to minimize seepage and contamination of

ground water. The animal waste lagoons commonly

used in farming operations are not considered in the

ratings. They are generally deeper than the lagoons

referred to in the table and rely on anaerobic bacteria

to decompose waste materials.

Table 11 gives ratings for the natural soil that makes

up the lagoon floor. The surface layer and, generally, 1

or 2 feet of soil material below the surface layer are

excavated to provide material for the embankments.

The ratings are based on soil properties, site features,

and observed performance of the soils. Considered in

the ratings are slope, permeability, depth to a high

water table, depth to bedrock, flooding, large stones,

and content of organic matter.

Excessive seepage resulting from rapid

permeability in the soil or a water table that is high

enough to raise the level of sewage in the lagoon

causes a lagoon to function unsatisfactorily. Pollution
48 Soil Survey

results if seepage is excessive or if floodwater

overtops the lagoon. A high content of organic matter

is detrimental to proper functioning of the lagoon

because it inhibits aerobic activity. Slope or bedrock

can cause construction problems, and large stones

can hinder compaction of the lagoon floor.

Sanitary landfills are areas where solid waste is

disposed of by burying it in soil. There are two types of

landfilltrench and area. In a trench landfill, the waste

is placed in a trench. It is spread, compacted, and

covered daily with a thin layer of soil excavated at the

site. In an area landfill, the waste is placed in

successive layers on the surface of the soil. The waste

is spread, compacted, and covered daily with a thin

layer of soil from a source away from the site.

Both types of landfill must be able to bear heavy

vehicular traffic. Both types involve a risk of groundwater pollution. Ease of excavation and revegetation

should be considered.

The ratings in table 11 are based on soil properties,

site features, and observed performance of the soils.

Permeability, depth to bedrock, a high water table,

slope, and flooding affect both types of landfill. Texture,

stones and boulders, highly organic layers, soil

reaction, and content of salts and sodium affect trench

landfills. Unless otherwise stated, the ratings apply

only to that part of the soil within a depth of about 6

feet. For deeper trenches, a limitation rated slight or

moderate may not be valid. Onsite investigation is

needed.

Daily cover for landfill is the soil material that is

used to cover compacted solid waste in an area

sanitary landfill. The soil material is obtained offsite,

transported to the landfill, and spread over the waste.

Soil texture, wetness, coarse fragments, and slope

affect the ease of removing and spreading the material

during wet and dry periods. Loamy or silty soils that

are free of large stones or excess gravel are the best

cover for a landfill. Clayey soils are sticky or cloddy

and are difficult to spread; sandy soils are subject to

soil blowing.

After soil material has been removed, the soil

material remaining in the borrow area must be thick

enough over bedrock or the water table to permit

revegetation. The soil material used as the final cover

for a landfill should be suitable for plants. The surface

layer generally has the best workability, more organic

matter, and the best potential for plants. Material from

the surface layer should be stockpiled for use as the

final cover.

Construction Materials

Table 12 gives information about the soils as a

source of roadfill, sand, gravel, and topsoil. The soils

are rated good, fair, or poor as a source of roadfill and

topsoil. They are rated as a probable or improbable

source of sand and gravel. The ratings are based on

soil properties and site features that affect the removal

of the soil and its use as construction material. Normal

compaction, minor processing, and other standard

construction practices are assumed. Each soil is

evaluated to a depth of 5 or 6 feet.

Roadfill is soil material that is excavated in one

place and used in road embankments in another

place. In this table, the soils are rated as a source of

roadfill for low embankments, generally less than 6

feet high and less exacting in design than higher

embankments.

The ratings are for the soil material below the

surface layer to a depth of 5 or 6 feet. It is assumed

that soil layers will be mixed during excavating and

spreading. Many soils have layers of contrasting

suitability within their profile. The table showing

engineering index properties provides detailed

information about each soil layer. This information can

help to determine the suitability of each layer for use

as roadfill. The performance of soil after it is stabilized

with lime or cement is not considered in the ratings.

The ratings are based on soil properties, site

features, and observed performance of the soils. The

thickness of suitable material is a major consideration.

The ease of excavation is affected by large stones,

depth to a high water table, and slope. How well the

soil performs in place after it has been compacted and

drained is determined by its strength (as inferred from

the engineering classification of the soil) and shrinkswell potential.

Soils rated good contain significant amounts of

sand or gravel or both. They have at least 5 feet of

suitable material, a low shrink-swell potential, few

cobbles and stones, and slopes of 15 percent or less.

Depth to the high water table is more than 3 feet. Soils

rated fair have more than 35 percent silt- and claysized particles and have a plasticity index of less than

10. They have a moderate shrink-swell potential,

slopes of 15 to 25 percent, or many stones. Depth to

the high water table is 1 to 3 feet. Soils rated poor

have a plasticity index of more than 10, a high shrinkswell potential, many stones, or slopes of more than

25 percent. They are wet and have a high water table

at a depth of less than 1 foot. They may have layers of

suitable material, but the material is less than 3 feet

thick.

Sand and gravel are natural aggregates suitable for

commercial use with a minimum of processing. They

are used in many kinds of construction. Specifications

for each use vary widely. In table 12, only the

probability of finding material in suitable quantity is
McDowell County, West Virginia 49

evaluated. The suitability of the material for specific

purposes is not evaluated, nor are factors that affect

excavation of the material.

The properties used to evaluate the soil as a source

of sand or gravel are gradation of grain sizes (as

indicated by the engineering classification of the soil),

the thickness of suitable material, and the content of

rock fragments. Kinds of rock, acidity, and stratification

are given in the soil series descriptions. Gradation of

grain sizes is given in the table on engineering index

properties.

A soil rated as a probable source has a layer of

clean sand or gravel or a layer of sand or gravel that is

up to 12 percent silty fines. This material must be at

least 3 feet thick and less than 50 percent, by weight,

large stones. All other soils are rated as an improbable

source. Coarse fragments of soft bedrock, such as

shale, siltstone, and weathered granite saprolite, are

not considered to be sand and gravel.

Topsoil is used to cover an area so that vegetation

can be established and maintained. The upper 40

inches of a soil is evaluated for use as topsoil. Also

evaluated is the reclamation potential of the borrow

area.

Plant growth is affected by toxic material and by

such properties as soil reaction, available water

capacity, and fertility. The ease of excavating, loading,

and spreading is affected by rock fragments, slope, a

high water table, soil texture, and thickness of suitable

material. Reclamation of the borrow area is affected by

slope, a high water table, rock fragments, bedrock,

and toxic material.

Soils rated good have friable, loamy material to a

depth of at least 40 inches. They are free of stones

and cobbles, have little or no gravel, and have slopes

of less than 8 percent. They are naturally fertile or

respond well to fertilizer and are not so wet that

excavation is difficult.

Soils rated fair are sandy soils, loamy soils that

have a relatively high content of clay, soils that have

only 20 to 40 inches of suitable material, soils that

have an appreciable amount of gravel or stones, or

soils that have slopes of 8 to 15 percent. The soils are

not so wet that excavation is difficult.

Soils rated poor are very sandy or clayey, have less

than 20 inches of suitable material, have a large

amount of gravel or stones, have slopes of more than

15 percent, or have a high water table at or near the

surface.

The surface layer of most soils is generally

preferred for topsoil because of its organic matter

content. Organic matter greatly increases the

absorption and retention of moisture and nutrients for

plant growth.

Water Management

Table 13 gives information on the soil properties

and site features that affect water management. The

degree and kind of soil limitations are given for pond

reservoir areas and for embankments, dikes, and

levees. The limitations are considered slight if soil

properties and site features are generally favorable for

the indicated use and limitations are minor and are

easily overcome; moderate if soil properties or site

features are not favorable for the indicated use and

special planning, design, or maintenance is needed to

overcome or minimize the limitations; and severe if soil

properties or site features are so unfavorable or so

difficult to overcome that special design, significant

increase in construction costs, and possibly increased

maintenance are required.

This table also gives the restrictive features that

affect each soil for drainage, terraces and diversions,

and grassed waterways.

Pond reservoir areas hold water behind a dam or

embankment. Soils best suited to this use have low

seepage potential in the upper 60 inches. The

seepage potential is determined by the permeability of

the soil and the depth to fractured bedrock or other

permeable material. Excessive slope can affect the

storage capacity of the reservoir area. Ponds that are

less than about 2 acres in size are not shown on the

maps because of the scale of mapping.

Embankments, dikes, and levees are raised

structures of soil material, generally less than 20 feet

high, constructed to impound water or to protect land

against overflow. In this table, the soils are rated as a

source of material for embankment fill. The ratings

apply to the soil material below the surface layer to a

depth of about 5 feet. It is assumed that soil layers will

be uniformly mixed and compacted during

construction.

The ratings do not indicate the ability of the natural

soil to support an embankment. Soil properties to a

depth greater than the height of the embankment can

affect performance and safety of the embankment.

Generally, deeper onsite investigation is needed to

determine these properties.

Soil material in embankments must be resistant to

seepage, piping, and erosion and have favorable

compaction characteristics. Unfavorable features

include less than 5 feet of suitable material and a high

content of stones or boulders, organic matter, mica, or

salts or sodium. Depth to a high water table affects the

amount of usable material. It also affects trafficability.

Drainage is the removal of excess surface and

subsurface water from the soil. How easily and

effectively the soil is drained depends on the depth to
50

bedrock or to other layers that affect the rate of water

movement, permeability, depth to a high water table or

depth of standing water if the soil is subject to

ponding, slope, susceptibility to flooding, subsidence

of organic layers, and the potential for frost action.

Excavating and grading and the stability of ditchbanks

are affected by depth to bedrock, large stones, slope,

and the hazard of cutbanks caving. The productivity of

the soil after drainage is adversely affected by extreme

acidity or by toxic substances in the root zone, such as

salts, sodium, and sulfur. Availability of drainage

outlets is not considered in the ratings.

Terraces and diversions are embankments or a

combination of channels and ridges constructed

across a slope to control erosion and conserve

moisture by intercepting runoff. Slope, wetness, large

stones, and depth to bedrock affect the construction of

terraces and diversions. A restricted rooting depth, a

severe hazard of soil blowing or water erosion, an

excessively coarse texture, and restricted permeability

adversely affect maintenance.

Grassed waterways are natural or constructed

channels, generally broad and shallow, that conduct

surface water to outlets at a nonerosive velocity. Large

stones, wetness, slope, and depth to bedrock affect

the construction of grassed waterways. A hazard of

soil blowing, a low available water capacity, restricted

rooting depth, toxic substances such as salts and

sodium, and restricted permeability adversely affect

the growth and maintenance of the grass after

construction.
51

Data relating to soil properties are collected during

the course of the soil survey. The data and the

estimates of soil and water features, listed in tables,

are explained on the following pages.

Soil properties are determined by field examination

of the soils and by laboratory index testing of some

benchmark soils. Established standard procedures are

followed. During the survey, many shallow borings are

made and examined to identify and classify the soils

and to delineate them on the soil maps.

Estimates of soil properties are based on field

examinations, on laboratory tests of samples from the

survey area, and on laboratory tests of samples of

similar soils in nearby areas. Tests verify field

observations, verify properties that cannot be

estimated accurately by field observation, and help to

characterize key soils.

The estimates of soil properties shown in the tables

include the range of grain-size distribution and

Atterberg limits, the engineering classification, and the

physical and chemical properties of the major layers of

each soil. Pertinent soil and water features also are

given.

Engineering Index Properties

Table 14 gives estimates of the engineering

classification and of the range of index properties for

the major layers of each soil in the survey area. Most

soils have layers of contrasting properties within the

upper 5 or 6 feet.

Depth to the upper and lower boundaries of each

layer is indicated. The range in depth and information

on other properties of each layer are given for each

soil series under the heading Soil Series and Their

Morphology.

Texture is given in the standard terms used by the

U.S. Department of Agriculture. These terms are

defined according to percentages, by weight, of sand,

silt, and clay in the fraction of the soil that is less than

2 millimeters in diameter. Loam, for example, is soil

that is 7 to 27 percent clay, 28 to 50 percent silt, and

less than 52 percent sand. If the content of particles

coarser than sand is more than 15 percent, by volume,

an appropriate modifier is added, for example,

gravelly. Textural terms are defined in the Glossary.

Classification of the soils is determined according to

the Unified soil classification system (2) and the

system adopted by the American Association of State

Highway and Transportation Officials (1).

The Unified system classifies soils according to

properties that affect their use as construction

material. Soils are classified according to grain-size

distribution of the fraction less than 3 inches in

diameter and according to plasticity index, liquid limit,

and organic matter content. Sandy and gravelly soils

are identified as GW, GP, GM, GC, SW, SP, SM, and

SC; silty and clayey soils as ML, CL, OL, MH, CH, and

OH; and highly organic soils as PT. Soils exhibiting

engineering properties of two groups can have a dual

classification, for example, SP-SM.

The AASHTO system classifies soils according to

those properties that affect roadway construction and

maintenance. In this system, the fraction of a mineral

soil that is less than 3 inches in diameter is classified

in one of seven groups from A-1 through A-7 on the

basis of grain-size distribution, liquid limit, and

plasticity index. Soils in group A-1 are coarse grained

and low in content of fines (silt and clay). At the other

extreme, soils in group A-7 are fine grained. Highly

organic soils are classified in group A-8 on the basis of

visual inspection.

Rock fragments 3 to 10 inches in diameter are

indicated as a percentage of the total soil on a dryweight basis. The percentages are estimates

determined mainly by converting volume percentage

in the field to weight percentage.

Percentage (of soil particles) passing designated

sieves is the percentage of the soil fraction less than 3

inches in diameter based on an ovendry weight. The

sieves, numbers 4, 10, 40, and 200 (USA Standard

Series), have openings of 4.76, 2.00, 0.420, and 0.074

millimeters, respectively. Estimates are based on

laboratory tests of soils sampled in the survey area

and in nearby areas and on estimates made in the

field.

Liquid limit and plasticity index (Atterberg limits)

indicate the plasticity characteristics of a soil. The

Soil Properties
52 Soil Survey

estimates are based on test data from the survey area

or from nearby areas and on field examination.

The estimates of grain-size distribution, liquid limit,

and plasticity index are generally rounded to the

nearest 5 percent. Thus, if the ranges of gradation and

Atterberg limits extend a marginal amount (1 or 2

percentage points) across classification boundaries,

the classification in the marginal zone is omitted in the

table.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Table 15 shows estimates of some characteristics

and features that affect soil behavior. These estimates

are given for the major layers of each soil in the survey

area. The estimates are based on field observations

and on test data for these and similar soils.

Clay as a soil separate, or component, consists of

mineral soil particles that are less than 0.002

millimeter in diameter. In this table, the estimated clay

content of each major soil layer is given as a

percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less

than 2 millimeters in diameter.

The amount and kind of clay greatly affect the

fertility and physical condition of the soil. They

determine the ability of the soil to adsorb cations and

to retain moisture. They influence the shrink-swell

potential, permeability, plasticity, the ease of soil

dispersion, and other soil properties. The amount and

kind of clay in a soil also affect tillage and earthmoving

operations.

Moist bulk density is the weight of soil (ovendry) per

unit volume. Volume is measured when the soil is at

field moisture capacity, that is, the moisture content at

1

/3-bar moisture tension. Weight is determined after

drying the soil at 105 degrees C. In this table, the

estimated moist bulk density of each major soil

horizon is expressed in grams per cubic centimeter of

soil material that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter.

Bulk density data are used to compute shrink-swell

potential, available water capacity, total pore space,

and other soil properties. The moist bulk density of a

soil indicates the pore space available for water and

roots. A bulk density of more than 1.6 can restrict

water storage and root penetration. Moist bulk density

is influenced by texture, kind of clay, content of organic

matter, and soil structure.

Permeability refers to the ability of a soil to transmit

water or air. The estimates indicate the rate of

movement of water through the soil when the soil is

saturated. They are based on soil characteristics

observed in the field, particularly structure, porosity,

and texture. Permeability is considered in the design of

soil drainage systems and septic tank absorption

fields.

Available water capacity refers to the quantity of

water that the soil is capable of storing for use by

plants. The capacity for water storage in each major

soil layer is stated in inches of water per inch of soil.

The capacity varies, depending on soil properties that

affect the retention of water and the depth of the root

zone. The most important properties are the content of

organic matter, soil texture, bulk density, and soil

structure. Available water capacity is an important

factor in the choice of plants or crops to be grown.

Available water capacity is not an estimate of the

quantity of water actually available to plants at any

given time. It is the difference between the amount of

soil water at field moisture capacity and the amount at

wilting point.

Soil reaction is a measure of acidity or alkalinity and

is expressed as a range in pH values. The range in pH

of each major horizon is based on many field tests. For

many soils, values have been verified by laboratory

analyses. Soil reaction is important in selecting crops

and other plants, in evaluating soil amendments for

fertility and stabilization, and in determining the risk of

corrosion.

Shrink-swell potential is the potential for volume

change in a soil with a loss or gain in moisture. Volume

change occurs mainly because of the interaction of

clay minerals with water and varies with the amount

and type of clay minerals in the soil. The size of the

load on the soil and the magnitude of the change in

soil moisture content influence the amount of swelling

of soils in place. Laboratory measurements of swelling

of undisturbed clods were made for many soils. For

others, swelling was estimated on the basis of the kind

and amount of clay minerals in the soil and on

measurements of similar soils.

If the shrink-swell potential is rated moderate to

very high, shrinking and swelling can cause damage

to buildings, roads, and other structures. Special

design is often needed.

Shrink-swell potential classes are based on the

change in length of an unconfined clod as moisture

content is increased from air-dry to field capacity. The

classes are low, a change of less than 3 percent;

moderate, 3 to 6 percent; high, 6 to 9 percent; and

very high, more than 9 percent.

Erosion factor K indicates the susceptibility of a soil

to sheet and rill erosion by water. Factor K is one of six

factors used in the Universal Soil Loss Equation

(USLE) to predict the average annual rate of soil loss

by sheet and rill erosion. Losses are expressed in tons

per acre per year. These estimates are based primarily
McDowell County, West Virginia 53

on percentage of silt, sand, and organic matter (up to

4 percent) and on soil structure and permeability.

Values of K range from 0.02 to 0.64. The higher the

value, the more susceptible the soil is to sheet and rill

erosion by water.

Erosion factor T is an estimate of the maximum

average annual rate of soil erosion by wind or water

that can occur over a sustained period without

affecting crop productivity. The rate is expressed in

tons per acre per year.

Organic matter is the plant and animal residue in

the soil at various stages of decomposition. In table

15, the estimated content of organic matter is

expressed as a percentage, by weight, of the soil

material that is less than 2 millimeters in diameter.

The content of organic matter in a soil can be

maintained by returning crop residue to the soil.

Organic matter affects the available water capacity,

infiltration rate, and tilth. It is a source of nitrogen and

other nutrients for plants.

Soil and Water Features

Table 16 gives estimates of various soil and water

features. The estimates are used in land use planning

that involves engineering considerations.

Hydrologic soil groups are used to estimate runoff

from precipitation. Soils are assigned to one of four

groups. They are grouped according to the infiltration

of water when the soils are thoroughly wet and receive

precipitation from long-duration storms.

The four hydrologic soil groups are:

Group A. Soils having a high infiltration rate (low

runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These consist

mainly of deep or very deep, well drained to

excessively drained sands or gravelly sands. These

soils have a high rate of water transmission.

Group B. Soils having a moderate infiltration rate

when thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of

moderately deep to very deep, moderately well

drained or well drained soils that have moderately fine

texture to moderately coarse texture. These soils have

a moderate rate of water transmission.

Group C. Soils having a slow infiltration rate when

thoroughly wet. These consist chiefly of soils having a

layer that impedes the downward movement of water

or soils of moderately fine texture or fine texture.

These soils have a slow rate of water transmission.

Group D. Soils having a very slow infiltration rate

(high runoff potential) when thoroughly wet. These

consist chiefly of clays that have a high shrink-swell

potential, soils that have a permanent high water table,

soils that have a claypan or clay layer at or near the

surface, and soils that are shallow over nearly

impervious material. These soils have a very slow rate

of water transmission.

Flooding, the temporary covering of the soil surface

by flowing water, is caused by overflowing streams, by

runoff from adjacent slopes, or by inflow from high

tides. Shallow water standing or flowing for short

periods after rainfall or snowmelt is not considered

flooding. Standing water in swamps and marshes or in

a closed depression is considered ponding.

Table 16 gives the frequency of flooding, generally

expressed as none, rare, occasional, or frequent.

None means that flooding is not probable; rare that it is

unlikely but possible under unusual weather conditions

(the chance of flooding is nearly 0 percent to 5 percent

in any year); occasional that it occurs, on the average,

once or less in 2 years (the chance of flooding is 5 to

50 percent in any year); and frequent that it occurs, on

the average, more than once in 2 years (the chance of

flooding is more than 50 percent in any year).

Common is used when occasional and frequent

classes are grouped for certain purposes.

The information on flooding is based on evidence in

the soil profile, namely thin strata of gravel, sand, silt,

or clay deposited by floodwater; irregular decrease in

organic matter content with increasing depth; and little

or no horizon development.

Also considered is local information about the

extent and levels of flooding and the relation of each

soil on the landscape to historic floods. Information on

the extent of flooding based on soil data is less

specific than that provided by detailed engineering

surveys that delineate flood-prone areas at specific

flood frequency levels.

High water table (seasonal) is the highest level of a

saturated zone in the soil in most years. The estimates

are based mainly on the evidence of a saturated zone,

namely grayish colors or mottles (redoximorphic

features) in the soil. Indicated in table 16 are the depth

to the high water table; the kind of water tablethat is,

perched or apparent; and the months of the year that

the water table commonly is high. A water table that is

seasonally high for less than 1 month is not indicated

in table 16.

An apparent water table is a thick zone of free water

in the soil. It is indicated by the level at which water

stands in an uncased borehole after adequate time is

allowed for adjustment in the surrounding soil. A

perched water table is water standing above an

unsaturated zone. In places an upper, or perched,

water table is separated from a lower one by a dry

zone.

Two numbers in the column showing depth to the

high water table indicate the normal range in depth to

a saturated zone. Depth is given to the nearest half
54

foot. The first numeral in the range indicates the

highest water level. A plus sign preceding the range in

depth indicates that the water table is above the

surface of the soil. More than 6.0 indicates that the

water table is below a depth of 6 feet or that it is within

a depth of 6 feet for less than a month.

Depth to bedrock is given if bedrock is within a

depth of 5 feet. The depth is based on many soil

borings and on observations during soil mapping. The

rock is specified as either soft or hard. If the rock is

soft or fractured, excavations can be made with

trenching machines, backhoes, or small rippers. If the

rock is hard or massive, blasting or special equipment

generally is needed for excavation.

Potential frost action is the likelihood of upward or

lateral expansion of the soil caused by the formation of

segregated ice lenses (frost heave) and the

subsequent collapse of the soil and loss of strength on

thawing. Frost action occurs when moisture moves

into the freezing zone of the soil. Temperature, texture,

density, permeability, content of organic matter, and

depth to the high water table are the most important

factors considered in evaluating the potential for frost

action. It is assumed that the soil is not insulated by

vegetation or snow and is not artificially drained. Silty

and highly structured, clayey soils that have a high

water table in winter are the most susceptible to frost

action. Well drained, very gravelly, or very sandy soils

are the least susceptible. Frost heave and low soil

strength during thawing cause damage to pavements

and other rigid structures.

Risk of corrosion pertains to potential soil-induced

electrochemical or chemical action that dissolves or

weakens uncoated steel or concrete. The rate of

corrosion of uncoated steel is related to such factors

as soil moisture, particle-size distribution, acidity, and

electrical conductivity of the soil. The rate of corrosion

of concrete is based mainly on the sulfate and sodium

content, texture, moisture content, and acidity of the

soil. Special site examination and design may be

needed if the combination of factors results in a severe

hazard of corrosion. The steel in installations that

intersect soil boundaries or soil layers is more

susceptible to corrosion than steel in installations that

are entirely within one kind of soil or within one soil

layer.

For uncoated steel, the risk of corrosion, expressed

as low, moderate, or high, is based on soil drainage

class, total acidity, electrical resistivity near field

capacity, and electrical conductivity of the saturation

extract.

For concrete, the risk of corrosion is also expressed

as low, moderate, or high. It is based on soil texture,

acidity, and the amount of sulfates in the saturation

extract.
55

The system of soil classification used by the

National Cooperative Soil Survey has six categories

(9, 12). Beginning with the broadest, these categories

are the order, suborder, great group, subgroup, family,

and series. Classification is based on soil properties

observed in the field or inferred from those

observations or on laboratory measurements. Table 17

shows the classification of the soils in the survey area.

The categories are defined in the following

paragraphs.

ORDER. Eleven soil orders are recognized. The

differences among orders reflect the dominant soilforming processes and the degree of soil formation.

Each order is identified by a word ending in sol. An

example is Ultisol.

SUBORDER. Each order is divided into suborders,

primarily on the basis of properties that influence soil

genesis and are important to plant growth or

properties that reflect the most important variables

within the orders. The last syllable in the name of a

suborder indicates the order. An example is Udult (Ud,

meaning humid climate, plus ult, from Ultisol).

GREAT GROUP. Each suborder is divided into great

groups on the basis of close similarities in kind,

arrangement, and degree of development of

pedogenic horizons; soil moisture and temperature

regimes; and base status. Each great group is

identified by the name of a suborder and by a prefix

that indicates a property of the soil. An example is

Hapludults (Hapl, meaning minimal horizon

development, plus udult, the suborder of the Ultisols

that occurs in humid climates).

SUBGROUP. Each great group has a typic

subgroup. Other subgroups are intergrades or

extragrades. The typic is the central concept of the

great group; it is not necessarily the most extensive.

Intergrades are transitions to other orders, suborders,

or great groups. Extragrades have some properties

that are not representative of the great group but do

not indicate transitions to any other known kind of soil.

Each subgroup is identified by one or more adjectives

preceding the name of the great group. The adjective

Typic identifies the subgroup that typifies the great

group. An example is Typic Hapludults.

FAMILY. Families are established within a subgroup

on the basis of physical and chemical properties and

other characteristics that affect management.

Generally, the properties are those of horizons below

plow depth where there is much biological activity.

Among the properties and characteristics considered

are particle-size class, mineral content, temperature

regime, depth of the root zone, consistence, moisture

equivalent, slope, and permanent cracks. A family

name consists of the name of a subgroup preceded by

terms that indicate soil properties. An example is fineloamy, mixed, thermic Typic Hapludults.

SERIES. The series consists of soils that have

similar horizons in their profile. The horizons are

similar in color, texture, structure, reaction,

consistence, mineral and chemical composition, and

arrangement in the profile. There can be some

variation in the texture of the surface layer or of the

substratum within a series.

Soil Series and Their Morphology

In this section, each soil series recognized in the

survey area is described. Characteristics of the soil

and the material in which it formed are identified for

each series. A pedon, a small three-dimensional area

of soil, that is typical of the series in the survey area is

described. The location of the typical pedon is

described, and coordinates generally are identified by

longitude and latitude. The detailed description of each

soil horizon follows standards in the Soil Survey

Manual (11). Many of the technical terms used in the

descriptions are defined in Soil Taxonomy (9) and in

Keys to Soil Taxonomy (12). Unless otherwise stated,

colors in the descriptions are for moist soil. Following

the pedon description is the range of important

characteristics of the soils in the series.

The map units of each soil series are described in

the section Detailed Soil Map Units.

Berks Series

The Berks series consists of moderately deep, well

drained soils that formed in material weathered from

interbedded siltstone, shale, and fine-grained

Classification of the Soils
56 Soil Survey

sandstone. These soils are on side slopes and

ridgetops throughout most of the county. Slope ranges

from 35 to 80 percent.

Berks soils are associated on the landscape with

the well drained Dekalb and Pineville soils. The Berks

soils are less sandy than Dekalb soils. They are

shallower to bedrock than Pineville soils.

Typical pedon of Berks very channery loam in an

area of Pineville-Berks association, very steep,

extremely stony; about 2.5 miles southeast of West

Virginia Route 16 and 2 miles south of U.S. Route 52

near Welch, in a wooded area; USGS Welch

topographic quadrangle; lat. 37 degrees 24 minutes 08

seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 38 minutes 27

seconds W.

Oe1 inch to 0; decomposed hardwood leaf litter.

A0 to 3 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) channery

loam; weak fine granular structure; very friable;

many fine roots; 25 percent rock fragments; very

strongly acid; abrupt smooth boundary.

BA3 to 8 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) very

channery loam; weak fine and medium subangular

blocky structure; friable; common fine and very

fine roots; 40 percent rock fragments; very

strongly acid; clear wavy boundary.

Bw8 to 16 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) very

channery silt loam; weak medium subangular

blocky structure; friable; common very fine to

coarse roots; 50 percent rock fragments; strongly

acid; clear wavy boundary.

C16 to 24 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6)

extremely channery silt loam; weak medium

subangular blocky structure; firm; common very

fine to coarse roots; 75 percent rock fragments;

strongly acid; abrupt wavy boundary.

Cr24 inches; soft, rippable, fractured brown siltstone

and fine-grained sandstone; many roots along

fractured planes.

The thickness of the solum ranges from 18 to 40

inches. Depth to bedrock ranges from 20 to 40 inches.

Rock fragments of siltstone, fine-grained sandstone,

and shale make up 10 to 50 percent, by volume, of the

A horizon, 15 to 75 percent of individual subhorizons

of the B horizon, and 35 to 90 percent of the C

horizon. The average content of rock fragments in the

control section is 35 to 60 percent. Reaction ranges

from extremely acid to slightly acid in the A horizon

and from extremely acid to moderately acid in the B

and C horizons.

The A horizon has hue of 10YR, value of 3 or 4,

and chroma of 2 to 4.

The BA and Bw horizons have hue of 7.5YR or

10YR, value of 4 to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8. The fineearth material is loam or silt loam.

The C horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of 4

to 6, and chroma of 2 to 6. The fine-earth material is

loam or silt loam.

Cedarcreek Series

The Cedarcreek series consists of very deep, well

drained soils that formed in partially weathered

sandstone, siltstone, shale, and some coal from

surface mining. These soils are on ridgetops, benches,

and side slopes throughout the county. Slope ranges

from 3 to 80 percent.

Cedarcreek soils are associated on the landscape

with the well drained Dekalb and Kaymine soils and

the somewhat excessively drained Itmann and Sewell

soils. The Cedarcreek soils are deeper to bedrock than

Dekalb soils. They are more acid than Kaymine soils.

They contain more clay in the substratum than Itmann

and Sewell soils.

Typical pedon of Cedarcreek very channery loam in

an area of Kaymine-Cedarcreek-Dekalb complex, very

steep, extremely stony; about 0.5 mile northeast of

U.S. Route 52 at Keystone, in a wooded area; USGS

Keystone topographic quadrangle; lat. 37 degrees 24

minutes 53 seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 27

minutes 28 seconds W.

A0 to 2 inches; brown (10YR 4/3) very channery

loam; moderate fine granular structure parting to

weak medium subangular blocky; friable; many

fine and very fine roots; 50 percent channers and

stones (60 percent mudstone, 30 percent shale,

and 10 percent sandstone); strongly acid; clear

wavy boundary.

C12 to 16 inches; grayish brown (2.5Y 5/2) very

channery loam; massive; friable; common fine and

very fine roots; 55 percent channers and stones

(55 percent mudstone, 30 percent shale, and 15

percent sandstone); very strongly acid; clear wavy

boundary.

C216 to 38 inches; grayish brown (2.5Y 5/2)

extremely channery loam; massive; friable; 70

percent channers and stones (50 percent

mudstone, 35 percent sandstone, and 15 percent

shale); very strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary.

C338 to 65 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

extremely channery loam; massive; firm; 65

percent channers and stones (50 percent

sandstone, 40 percent mudstone, and 10 percent

shale); very strongly acid.

Depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches. Reaction

ranges from extremely acid to strongly acid except
McDowell County, West Virginia 57

where the surface layer has been limed. Rock

fragments range from 35 to 80 percent, by volume,

throughout the profile. They consist of sandstone,

siltstone, shale, and coal, and the percentage of each

is less than 65 percent of the total content of rock

fragments in the control section. Rock fragments are

mostly channers but include stones and a few

boulders. Many pedons have red, brown, yellow, or

gray lithochromic mottles in some or all horizons.

The A horizon is neutral in hue or has hue of 7.5YR

to 2.5Y, has value of 2 to 5, and has chroma of 1 to 6.

In some pedons this horizon was formed by

stockpiling natural surficial soil and spreading it over

the land surface. In these pedons the horizon is 4 to

20 inches thick and contains 10 to 35 percent

channers.

The C horizon is neutral in hue or has hue of 7.5YR

to 2.5Y, has value of 2 to 6, and has chroma of 1 to 8.

The fine-earth material is loam or silt loam, but

individual layers of sandy loam are included.

Chavies Series

The Chavies series consists of very deep, well

drained, moderately rapidly permeable soils that

formed in alluvial material washed from upland soils.

These soils are on high flood plains and terraces of

streams throughout the county. They are subject to

rare flooding. Slope ranges from 0 to 3 percent.

Chavies soils are associated on the landscape with

the well drained Yeager soils. The Chavies soils have

less sand than Yeager soils and are flooded less

frequently.

Typical pedon of Chavies loam; 75 feet south of the

Tug Fork River, about 2,000 feet east of the

confluence of Rock Branch and the Tug Fork River, in

an area of idle land; USGS Iaeger topographic

quadrangle; lat. 37 degrees 28 minutes 23 seconds N.

and long. 81 degrees 49 minutes 17 seconds W.

Oe2 inches to 0; undecomposed and partially

decomposed leaf litter.

A0 to 4 inches; very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2)

loam; weak medium granular structure; very

friable; common fine and medium roots; slightly

acid; abrupt smooth boundary.

BA4 to 9 inches; dark brown (10YR 4/3) fine sandy

loam; weak medium subangular blocky structure;

very friable; common fine to coarse roots; strongly

acid; clear smooth boundary.

Bt19 to 17 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6)

fine sandy loam; weak fine and medium

subangular blocky structure; very friable; few

medium and coarse dark yellowish brown (10YR

4/4) organic stains on faces of peds; common fine

roots; few thin discontinuous clay films on faces of

peds; strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary.

Bt217 to 31 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6)

sandy loam; weak medium subangular blocky

structure; very friable; few fine roots; few thin

discontinuous clay films on faces of peds; strongly

acid; gradual wavy boundary.

BC31 to 40 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6)

fine sandy loam that has few coarse pockets of

yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) loamy fine sand; weak

medium subangular blocky structure; very friable;

few very fine and fine roots; strongly acid; clear

wavy boundary.

C140 to 52 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6)

and yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) loamy fine sand;

single grain; loose; few very fine and fine roots;

strongly acid; clear wavy boundary.

C252 to 65 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6)

fine sandy loam; massive; very friable; common

fine and medium brown (10YR 5/3), dark yellowish

brown (10YR 4/4), and strong brown (7.5YR 5/6)

redoximorphic features; strongly acid.

The thickness of the solum ranges from 30 to 50

inches. Depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches. Rock

fragments make up less than 15 percent, by volume,

of the profile. In unlimed areas reaction ranges from

strongly acid to neutral in the topsoil and the upper

part of the subsoil and from very strongly acid to

moderately acid in the lower part of the subsoil and in

the substratum.

The A horizon has hue of 10YR, value of 3 or 4,

and chroma of 2 to 4. It is fine sandy loam, loam, or

sandy loam.

The BA, Bt, and BC horizons have hue of 10YR,

value of 4 or 5, and chroma of 4 or 6. They are fine

sandy loam, sandy loam, or loam. In some pedons

pockets of loamy sand occur in the lower part of the

solum.

The C horizon has hue of 10YR, value of 4 to 6,

and chroma of 3 to 6. It is fine sandy loam, sandy

loam, or loamy sand.

Dekalb Series

The Dekalb series consists of moderately deep,

well drained soils that formed in material weathered

from sandstone and some interbedded siltstone.

These soils are on narrow ridgetops, ridge points, and

upper side slopes throughout the county. Slope ranges

from 35 to 80 percent.

Dekalb soils are associated on the landscape with

the well drained Berks, Cedarcreek, Gilpin, Kaymine,
58 Soil Survey

Lily, and Pineville soils. The Dekalb soils are shallower

to bedrock than Cedarcreek, Kaymine, and Pineville

soils. They contain more rock fragments in the subsoil

than Gilpin and Lily soils. They have more sand in the

solum than Berks soils.

Typical pedon of Dekalb channery sandy loam in an

area of Kaymine-Cedarcreek-Dekalb complex, very

steep, extremely stony; about 0.5 mile west of West

Virginia Route 161, about 1.3 miles north of the

intersection of West Virginia Route 161 and U.S. Route

52 at Elkhorn, in a wooded area; USGS Anawalt

topographic quadrangle; lat. 37 degrees 22 minutes 09

seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 24 minutes 27

seconds W.

Oi0 to 1 inch; undecomposed hardwood leaf litter.

Oe1 to 2 inches; partially decomposed hardwood

leaf litter.

A2 to 5 inches; very dark gray (10YR 3/1) channery

sandy loam; weak fine granular structure; very

friable; many very fine to medium roots; 15

percent rock fragments; very strongly acid; clear

wavy boundary.

BA5 to 7 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4)

channery sandy loam; weak fine and medium

granular structure; very friable; many very fine to

coarse roots; 25 percent rock fragments; very

strongly acid; clear wavy boundary.

Bw17 to 16 inches; light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4)

very channery sandy loam; weak fine and medium

subangular blocky structure; friable; many very

fine to coarse roots; 35 percent rock fragments;

very strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary.

Bw216 to 24 inches; light yellowish brown (10YR

6/4) very channery sandy loam; weak fine and

medium subangular blocky structure; friable;

common very fine to medium roots; 50 percent

rock fragments; very strongly acid; gradual wavy

boundary.

C24 to 30 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) very

channery sandy loam; single grain; loose;

common very fine and fine roots; 50 percent rock

fragments; very strongly acid; abrupt wavy

boundary.

R30 inches; hard, weathered brown sandstone.

The thickness of the solum and depth to bedrock

range from 20 to 40 inches. Rock fragments make up

15 to 60 percent, by volume, of individual horizons of

the solum and 50 to 90 percent of the C horizon.

Reaction ranges from extremely acid to strongly acid

throughout the profile.

The A horizon has hue of 10YR, value of 2 or 3,

and chroma of 1 or 2. The fine-earth material is loam

or sandy loam.

Some pedons have an E horizon. This horizon has

hue of 10YR, value of 5 or 6, and chroma of 1 to 4.

The fine-earth material is sandy loam or loam.

The BA horizon has hue of 10YR, value of 4 or 5,

and chroma of 3 or 4. The fine-earth material is sandy

loam, loam, or fine sandy loam.

The Bw horizon has hue of 10YR, value of 5 or 6,

and chroma of 4 to 8. The fine-earth material is loam,

sandy loam, or fine sandy loam.

The C horizon has hue of 10YR, value of 5 or 6,

and chroma of 4 to 6. The fine-earth material is sandy

loam or loamy sand.

Gilpin Series

The Gilpin series consists of moderately deep, well

drained, moderately permeable soils that formed in

material weathered from interbedded shale, siltstone,

and sandstone. These soils are on ridgetops

throughout the county. Slope ranges from 15 to 35

percent.

Gilpin soils are associated on the landscape with

the well drained Dekalb and Lily soils. The Gilpin soils

have less rock fragments in the subsoil than Dekalb

soils. They have more silt in the solum than Lily soils.

Typical pedon of Gilpin silt loam in an area of Gilpin

and Lily soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes; about 300 feet

north of County Road 13/2, about 3.5 miles southwest

of County Road 13 at Ream, West Virginia, in a

wooded area; USGS Gary topographic quadrangle; lat.

37 degrees 19 minutes 50 seconds N. and long. 81

degrees 34 minutes 52 seconds W.

Oe1 inch to 0; undecomposed and partially

decomposed leaf litter.

A0 to 3 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) silt loam;

weak fine and medium granular structure; very

friable; many very fine to coarse roots; 10 percent

rock fragments; slightly acid; clear smooth

boundary.

BA3 to 6 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4)

silt loam; weak fine subangular blocky structure;

friable; common fine to coarse roots; 10 percent

rock fragments; strongly acid; gradual wavy

boundary.

Bt16 to 14 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6)

channery silt loam; weak medium subangular

blocky structure; friable; few faint discontinuous

clay films on faces of peds; common fine and

medium roots; 15 percent rock fragments; very

strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary.

Bt214 to 24 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) and

yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) silt loam; moderate

medium subangular blocky structure; friable;
McDowell County, West Virginia 59

common distinct discontinuous clay films on faces

of peds; common fine to coarse roots; 10 percent

rock fragments; very strongly acid; gradual wavy

boundary.

BC24 to 31 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) and

yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) channery silt loam;

weak medium subangular blocky structure; friable;

common distinct discontinuous clay films on faces

of peds and rock fragments; few fine and medium

roots; 25 percent rock fragments; very strongly

acid; clear wavy boundary.

C31 to 37 inches; strong brown (7.5YR 5/6) and

yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) very channery silt

loam; massive; friable; few fine and medium roots;

40 percent rock fragments; very strongly acid;

clear wavy boundary.

 Cr37 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) and light

olive brown (2.5Y 5/6) weathered, rippable

siltstone bedrock; very strongly acid.

The thickness of the solum ranges from 18 to 36

inches. Depth to bedrock ranges from 20 to 40 inches.

Rock fragments of siltstone, shale, and sandstone

make up 5 to 40 percent, by volume, of individual

horizons of the solum and 30 to 90 percent of the C

horizon. In unlimed areas reaction ranges from

extremely acid to strongly acid. In many areas the

surface layer is slightly acid due to repeated burning.

The A horizon has hue of 10YR, value of 3 or 4,

and chroma of 2 to 4. The fine-earth material is loam

or silt loam.

The BA, Bt, and BC horizons have hue of 7.5YR or

10YR, value of 4 to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8. The fineearth material is silt loam, loam, or silty clay loam.

The C horizon has hue of 7.5YR to 2.5Y, value of 3

to 5, and chroma of 2 to 6. The fine-earth material is

silt loam, loam, or silty clay loam.

Itmann Series

The Itmann series consists of very deep, somewhat

excessively drained soils that formed mostly from coal

and high-carbon shales and from small amounts of

siltstone and sandstone. These soils are on side

slopes and in valleys near coal mines or coal cleaning

plants. Slope ranges from 0 to 80 percent.

Itmann soils are associated on the landscape with

the well drained Cedarcreek and Kaymine soils and

the somewhat excessively drained Sewell soils. The

Itmann soils have a clay average in the control section

that is less than that of these associated soils.

Typical pedon of Itmann extremely channery sandy

loam, very steep; about 0.5 mile northeast of U.S.

Route 52 at Algoma, in an area that is mostly barren

but has a few scattered sweet birch trees; USGS

Keystone topographic quadrangle; lat. 37 degrees 25

minutes 26 seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 25

minutes 18 seconds W.

A0 to 2 inches; black (N 2/0) extremely channery

sandy loam; weak moderate granular structure;

loose; common fine and medium roots; 80 percent

channers (70 percent carbolith and 30 percent

siltstone); very strongly acid; clear smooth

boundary.

C12 to 24 inches; black (N 2/0) extremely channery

loam; single grain; loose; few fine roots; 80 percent

channers (65 percent carbolith, 30 percent

siltstone, and 5 percent sandstone); very strongly

acid; gradual wavy boundary.

C224 to 65 inches; black (N 2/0) extremely

channery sandy loam; single grain; friable; 80

percent channers (65 percent carbolith, 30

percent siltstone, and 5 percent sandstone); very

strongly acid.

Depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches. Channers

of carbolith, siltstone, sandstone, and shale range

from 35 to 80 percent, by volume, throughout the

profile. Carbolith fragments make up more than 50

percent of the total content of rock fragments in the

control section. Reaction ranges from extremely acid

to strongly acid except where the surface layer has

been limed.

The A horizon typically is neutral in hue or has hue

of 10YR, has value of 2 or 3, and has chroma of 1 or

2. In some pedons this horizon was formed by

stockpiling original soil and spreading it over the land

surface. In these pedons the horizon is 6 to 20 inches

thick, contains 10 to 35 percent channers, and has

value of 4 or 5 and chroma of 3 to 6.

The C horizon is neutral in hue or has hue of 10YR,

has value of 2 or 3, and has chroma of 1 or 2. The

fine-earth material is sandy loam or loam. Thin layers

or pockets of loamy sand occur in some pedons.

Kaymine Series

The Kaymine series consists of very deep, well

drained soils that formed in partially weathered

siltstone, sandstone, shale, and some coal from the

surface mining of coal. These soils are on benches

and side slopes throughout the county. Slope ranges

from 0 to 80 percent.

Kaymine soils are associated on the landscape with

the well drained Cedarcreek and Dekalb soils and the

somewhat excessively drained Sewell and Itmann

soils. The Kaymine soils are less acid in the control
60 Soil Survey

section than Cedarcreek, Itmann, and Sewell soils.

They are deeper to bedrock than Dekalb soils.

Typical pedon of Kaymine very channery loam in an

area of Kaymine-Cedarcreek-Dekalb complex, very

steep, extremely stony; about 1.2 miles southeast of

U.S. Route 52 at the Stevens Clinic Hospital in Welch,

in an area of grasses and legumes; USGS Welch

topographic quadrangle; lat. 37 degrees 25 minutes 22

seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 33 minutes 31

seconds W.

A0 to 4 inches; dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) very

channery loam; weak fine granular structure; very

friable; many fine and very fine roots; 45 percent

channers and stones (50 percent mudstone, 45

percent sandstone, and 5 percent coal); neutral;

clear wavy boundary.

C14 to 14 inches; dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2)

very channery loam; weak medium subangular

blocky structure; friable; common fine and very

fine roots; 55 percent channers and stones (55

percent mudstone and 45 percent sandstone);

neutral; gradual wavy boundary.

C214 to 26 inches; dark grayish brown (2.5Y 4/2)

extremely channery loam; massive; friable; few

fine and very fine roots to a depth of 30 inches; 65

percent channers and stones (45 percent

mudstone and 55 percent sandstone); neutral;

gradual wavy boundary.

C326 to 65 inches; dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2)

extremely channery loam; massive; friable; very

few fine and very fine roots to a depth of 40

inches; 75 percent channers and stones (55

percent mudstone and 45 percent sandstone);

neutral.

Depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches. Reaction

ranges from moderately acid to mildly alkaline. Rock

fragments range from 35 to 80 percent, by volume,

throughout the profile. They consist of siltstone,

sandstone, shale, and coal, and the percentage of

each is less than 65 percent of the total content of

rock fragments in the control section. Rock fragments

are mostly channers but include stones and a few

boulders. Many pedons have red, brown, yellow, or

gray lithochromic mottles in some or all horizons.

The A horizon has hue of 10YR, value of 3 or 4,

and chroma of 1 to 4. The fine-earth material is loam

or silt loam. In some pedons the horizon was formed

by stockpiling original soil and spreading it over the

land surface. In these pedons, the A horizon is 4 to 20

inches thick and contains 10 to 35 percent channers.

The C horizon is neutral in hue or has hue of 10YR

or 2.5Y, has value of 2 to 5, and has chroma of 1 to 6.

The fine-earth material is loam or silt loam.

Lily Series

The Lily series consists of moderately deep, well

drained soils that formed in material weathered from

sandstone and some interbedded siltstone. These

soils are on ridgetops and lower side slopes

throughout the county. Slope ranges from 3 to 35

percent.

Lily soils are associated on the landscape with the

well drained Dekalb, Gilpin, and Pineville soils. The Lily

soils have more sand in the control section than Gilpin

soils and contain fewer rock fragments in the control

section than Dekalb soils. They are shallower to

bedrock than Pineville soils.

Typical pedon of Lily loam in an area of Gilpin and

Lily soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes; about 2.25 miles

southeast of U.S. Route 52 at Eckman, in a wooded

area; USGS Keystone topographic quadrangle; lat. 37

degrees 23 minutes 07 seconds N. and long. 81

degrees 26 minutes 38 seconds W.

Oe1 inch to 0; decomposed and undecomposed

hardwood leaf litter.

A0 to 4 inches; very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2)

loam; weak fine granular structure; very friable;

many fine to coarse roots; 5 percent rock

fragments; strongly acid; abrupt wavy boundary.

BA4 to 11 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) loam;

weak fine subangular blocky structure; friable;

common fine to coarse roots; 10 percent rock

fragments; strongly acid; clear wavy boundary.

Bt111 to 18 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6)

channery loam; moderate medium subangular

blocky structure; friable; many fine to coarse roots;

15 percent rock fragments; few faint discontinuous

clay films on faces of peds and in pores; strongly

acid; gradual wavy boundary.

Bt218 to 32 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6)

channery loam; moderate medium subangular

blocky structure; friable; many fine to coarse roots;

30 percent rock fragments; few faint discontinuous

clay films on faces of peds and in pores; strongly

acid; gradual wavy boundary.

C32 to 38 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) very

channery loam; weak medium subangular blocky

structure; friable; few fine and medium roots; 35

percent rock fragments; strongly acid; abrupt wavy

boundary.

R38 inches; moderately hard, fractured brown

sandstone bedrock.

The thickness of the solum and depth to bedrock

range from 20 to 40 inches. Rock fragments of

sandstone and siltstone make up 0 to 30 percent, by

volume, of individual horizons of the solum and 10 to
McDowell County, West Virginia 61

35 percent of the C horizon. In unlimed areas reaction

ranges from extremely acid to strongly acid throughout

the profile.

The A horizon has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR, value of

2 to 5, and chroma of 1 to 3.

The BA and Bt horizons have hue of 7.5YR or

10YR, value of 4 to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8. The fineearth material is loam, sandy clay loam, or clay loam.

The C horizon has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR, value of

5 or 6, and chroma of 4 to 8. The fine-earth material is

loam or sandy loam.

Pineville Series

The Pineville series consists of very deep, well

drained soils that formed in acid colluvial material that

moved downslope from soils on uplands underlain by

sandstone, siltstone, and shale. These soils are on

mountain side slopes and foot slopes. Slope ranges

from 15 to 80 percent.

Pineville soils are associated on the landscape with

the well drained Berks, Dekalb, and Lily soils. The

Pineville soils are deeper to bedrock than these

associated soils.

Typical pedon of Pineville channery loam in an area

of Pineville-Berks association, very steep, extremely

stony; about 0.25 mile north of West Virginia Route

161 and 3.5 miles north of Horsepen, in a wooded

area; USGS Gary topographic quadrangle; lat. 37

degrees 15 minutes 38 seconds N. and long. 81

degrees 30 minutes 15 seconds W.

Oe1 inch to 0; undecomposed and slightly

decomposed oak and yellow-poplar leaves.

A0 to 4 inches; very dark brown (10YR 2/2)

channery loam; moderate fine granular structure;

very friable; many fine and medium roots; 15

percent rock fragments; moderately acid; abrupt

wavy boundary.

BA4 to 8 inches; brown (10YR 4/4) channery loam;

weak fine subangular blocky structure; many fine

and medium roots; 15 percent rock fragments;

strongly acid; clear wavy boundary.

Bt18 to 20 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6)

channery loam; moderate medium subangular

blocky structure; friable; common fine to coarse

roots; few faint discontinuous clay films on faces of

peds and in pores; 15 percent rock fragments;

strongly acid; clear wavy boundary.

Bt220 to 33 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6)

channery loam; moderate medium subangular

blocky structure; friable; common fine and medium

roots; many faint discontinuous clay films on faces

of peds and in pores; 15 percent rock fragments;

very strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary.

BC33 to 44 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6)

channery loam; moderate coarse subangular

blocky structure; friable; few fine and medium

roots; 20 percent rock fragments; very strongly

acid; gradual wavy boundary.

C44 to 65 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6)

very channery sandy loam; massive; friable to

firm; 35 percent rock fragments; few faint brownish

yellow (10YR 6/8) redoximorphic concentrations;

very strongly acid.

The thickness of the solum ranges from 40 to 60

inches. Depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches. Rock

fragments range from 10 to 60 percent, by volume, in

individual horizons but average 15 to 35 percent in the

control section. Reaction ranges from extremely acid

to neutral in the A horizon and from extremely acid to

strongly acid in the B and C horizons.

The A horizon has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR, value of

2 to 4, and chroma of 1 to 3. The fine-earth material is

loam.

The BA, Bt, and BC horizons have hue of 7.5YR or

10YR, value of 4 to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8. The fineearth material is loam, clay loam, or sandy loam.

The C horizon has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR, value of

4 to 6, and chroma of 4 to 8. The fine-earth material is

loam, sandy loam, or clay loam. In some pedons

brown and yellow redoximorphic concentrations occur

below a depth of 40 inches.

Sewell Series

The Sewell series consists of very deep, somewhat

excessively drained soils that formed dominantly from

partially weathered sandstone and from some

siltstone, shale, and coal from surface mine

operations. These soils are on ridgetops and contour

surface mines in the central and eastern parts of the

county. Slope ranges from 3 to 80 percent.

Sewell soils are associated on the landscape with

the well drained Cedarcreek and Kaymine soils and

the somewhat excessively drained Itmann soils. The

Sewell soils contain less clay in the substratum than

Cedarcreek and Kaymine soils. They are lighter in

color and have less carbolithic material than Itmann

soils.

Typical pedon of Sewell channery sandy loam in an

area of Sewell-Rock outcrop complex, very steep,

extremely stony; about 0.9 mile west of U.S. Route 52

at Powhatan, in a grassed area; USGS Keystone

topographic quadrangle; lat. 37 degrees 24 minutes 10
62 Soil Survey

seconds N. and long. 81 degrees 25 minutes 18

seconds W.

A0 to 7 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6)

extremely channery sandy loam; weak fine

granular structure; very friable; many fine and very

fine roots; 65 percent stones, channers, and

boulders (100 percent micaceous sandstone);

very strongly acid; clear wavy boundary.

C17 to 31 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6)

extremely channery sandy loam; single grain;

loose; very friable; few very fine roots; 65 percent

stones, channers, and boulders (95 percent

micaceous sandstone and 5 percent siltstone);

very strongly acid; gradual wavy boundary.

C231 to 65 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6)

extremely channery sandy loam; single grain;

loose; friable; 75 percent stones, channers, and

boulders (100 percent micaceous sandstone);

very strongly acid.

Depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches. Rock

fragments range from 35 to 80 percent, by volume,

throughout the profile. They are 65 percent or more

sandstone and small amounts of siltstone, shale, and

coal. Rock fragments are mostly stones but include

channers and boulders. In unlimed areas reaction

ranges from extremely acid to strongly acid.

The A horizon has hue of 10YR, value of 3 to 5, and

chroma of 2 to 6. The fine-earth material is sandy

loam. In some pedons the horizon was formed by

spreading stockpiled original soil over the reclaimed

land surface. In these pedons, the A horizon is 4 to 20

inches thick and contains 15 to 35 percent channers.

The C horizon has hue of 7.5YR or 10YR, value of

4 to 6, and chroma of 1 to 8. The fine-earth fraction is

loam or sandy loam. In some pedons the horizon has

thin layers or pockets of material that consists of

loamy sand or that contains up to 20 percent coal

fragments.

Udorthents

Udorthents consist of a mixture of soil and rock

fragments in areas that have been excavated, graded,

or filled. They are generally very deep and well

drained. They occur throughout the county.

Because of the variability of Udorthents, a typical

pedon is not described. Depth to bedrock is generally

more than 60 inches. Rock fragments of sandstone,

mudstone, shale, and coal vary in size and amount.

The fine-earth material is loamy sand, sandy loam,

loam, silt loam, or clay loam.

Yeager Series

The Yeager series consists of very deep, well

drained, rapidly permeable soils that formed in sandy

alluvium washed from upland soils. These soils are on

narrow, low flood plains of streams throughout the

county. They are subject to occasional flooding. Slope

ranges from 0 to 3 percent.

Yeager soils are associated on the landscape with

the well drained Chavies soils. The Yeager soils have

more sand in the control section than Chavies soils.

Typical pedon of Yeager fine sandy loam; about

1,300 feet south of U.S. Route 52, in a wooded area

along Clear Fork; USGS Davy topographic

quadrangle; lat. 37 degrees 26 minutes 52 seconds N.

and long. 81 degrees 44 minutes 12 seconds W.

Oe1 inch to 0; undecomposed and partially

decomposed leaf litter.

A10 to 4 inches; dark brown (10YR 3/3) fine sandy

loam; weak fine and medium granular structure;

very friable; many very fine to coarse roots;

moderately acid; clear wavy boundary.

A24 to 7 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/4)

fine sandy loam and dark yellowish brown (10YR

4/6) loamy fine sand; weak medium granular

structure; very friable; many very fine to coarse

roots; strongly acid; clear wavy boundary.

C17 to 14 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6)

loamy fine sand; single grain; loose; many very

fine to coarse roots; strongly acid; clear wavy

boundary.

C214 to 22 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

loamy sand; single grain; loose; common very fine

to coarse roots; moderately acid; abrupt wavy

boundary.

C322 to 26 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/6) fine

sandy loam and dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6)

loamy fine sand; massive; very friable; many very

fine to coarse roots; moderately acid; clear wavy

boundary.

C426 to 42 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) and

dark yellowish brown (10YR 4/6) loamy fine sand;

single grain; loose; many fine and medium roots;

slightly acid; clear wavy boundary.

2C542 to 56 inches; yellowish brown (10YR 5/4)

loamy fine sand; single grain; loose; common light

yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) sand pockets; few fine

and medium roots; 5 percent rock fragments;

slightly acid; clear wavy boundary.

2C656 to 62 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR

4/6) cobbly loamy sand; single grain; loose; few

fine roots; 20 percent rock fragments; few medium

grayish brown (2.5Y 5/2) iron depletions and
McDowell County, West Virginia 63

strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) masses of iron

accumulation; neutral; clear wavy boundary.

2C762 to 65 inches; dark yellowish brown (10YR

4/6) and yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) cobbly sandy

loam; massive; very friable; 30 percent rock

fragments; many medium and coarse grayish

brown (2.5Y 5/2) iron depletions and few medium

strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) masses of iron

accumulation; neutral.

Depth to bedrock is more than 60 inches. The

content of rock fragments is less than 15 percent, by

volume, above a depth of 40 inches and ranges from 0

to 50 percent below a depth of 40 inches. In unlimed

areas reaction ranges from strongly acid to mildly

alkaline.

The A horizon has hue of 10YR, value of 3 to 5, and

chroma of 2 to 4. It is fine sandy loam, loam, or loamy

fine sand. In some areas the horizon may have loamy

sand or sand overwash from recent flooding.

The C horizon has hue of 2.5Y or 10YR, value of 3

to 5, and chroma of 2 to 6. Above a depth of 40

inches, it is fine sandy loam, loamy sand, or sand. In

some pedons, below a depth of 40 inches, loamy, silty,

or cobbly sediments occur. Redoximorphic features in

shades of gray to red occur below a depth of 48

inches in many pedons.

65

The development of the soils in McDowell County is

explained in this section. The five major factors of soil

formation are identified, and their influence on the soils

in the county is described. Also discussed is the

morphology of the soils.

Factors of Soil Formation

The soils in McDowell County formed as a result of

the interaction of the five major factors of soil

formationparent material, time, climate, living

organisms, and topography (6). Each factor influences

the effect of the others. Differences in parent material,

topography, and time have resulted in the major

differences among the soils in the county. Generally,

climate and living organisms influence soil formation

relatively uniformly over broad areas.

Parent Material, Time, and Climate

The characteristics of the parent material strongly

influence the amount of time required for soil formation

and the characteristics of the soil that forms. The soils

in McDowell County formed in residual, colluvial, and

alluvial parent materials. They formed from material

weathered from interbedded shale, siltstone, and

sandstone. For example, Gilpin soils formed in

material weathered from interbedded shale, siltstone,

and fine-grained sandstone and Lily soils formed in

material weathered from sandstone.

Residual material formed from the physical and

chemical weathering of geologic materials in place.

Residuum is the oldest parent material in the county.

Soil formation in residuum has been limited by

resistant rock, slope, and constant erosion.

Colluvial material occurs along foot slopes, on side

slopes, and at the head of drainageways. This material

moved downslope from areas of residual soil over

varying periods of time. The colluvial Pineville soils

formed below areas of the residual Berks, Dekalb,

Gilpin, and Lily soils.

Alluvial material, which washed from soils on

uplands, occurs on low terraces and flood plains. The

soil-forming processes have acted on the material on

low terraces for a considerable amount of time.

Chavies soils, which are on low terraces and high

flood plains, exhibit more profile development than

Yeager soils, which occur on low flood plains. Yeager

soils, the youngest natural soils mapped in McDowell

County, formed in relatively recent deposits of alluvial

material.

The climate is relatively uniform throughout the

survey area. Although rainfall and temperature are

significant in soil formation, they do not vary

sufficiently across the county to cause differences in

soil development. A detailed description of climate is

given in the section General Nature of the County.

Living Organisms

Living organisms, including plants, animals,

bacteria, fungi, and humans, affect soil formation. The

kind and amount of vegetation are generally

responsible for the organic content matter and color of

the surface layer and are partly responsible for the

content of plant nutrients in the soil. Earthworms and

burrowing animals keep the soil open and porous and

can be a significant source of organic matter and plant

nutrients. By moving soil to the surface and creating

passageways underground, they mix mineral and

organic matter. Fungi and bacteria decompose organic

matter, releasing plant nutrients.

Human activities also influence soil formation. Soil

characteristics are disturbed by such activities as

deforestation, plowing, and mining. Human activities

have added fertilizer, mixed some of the soil horizons,

and moved soil and rock from place to place. Soils

have been disturbed on more than 17,500 acres in

McDowell County by the surface mining of coal. The

process of excavation and mixing of original soils and

underlying bedrock, followed by reclamation activities,

results in a newly formed soil having very little profile

development. Kaymine soils are an example of very

deep, nonacid soils that result from surface mining.

Topography

Topography affects soil formation by controlling the

amount of water moving through the soil and the

amount and rate of water moving over the soil as

Formation of the Soils
66

runoff. The topographic position on the landscape

determines whether or not a soil forms in a

depositional or erosional environment.

Large amounts of water have moved through gently

sloping and strongly sloping soils. As a result, these

soils have a moderately developed to well developed

profile. On steep and very steep mountain side slopes,

less water moves through the soil profile and the

amount and rate of runoff are greater. In these areas,

soil material may be washed away nearly as rapidly as

it forms. The complex interaction of slope, runoff, and

percolation over long periods of time and through

changes in climate produces the patterns of residual,

colluvial, and alluvial soils as they occur on the

landscape.

The topography of McDowell County favors the

formation of flood plains. Soils on flood plains are

weakly developed because too little time has elapsed

for the development of well defined soil horizons.

Morphology of the Soils

The results of the soil-forming processes are

evident in the different layers, or horizons, in the soil

profile. The profile extends from the surface downward

to material that is relatively unaltered by the soilforming processes. Most soils have three major

horizons, called the A, B, and C horizons.

The A horizon is the surface layer and generally

has the maximum amount of organic matter, which

makes it darker than the underlying horizons. It is the

layer of maximum leaching, or eluviation, of clay and

iron.

The B horizon underlies the A horizon and is

commonly called the subsoil. It is characterized by

blocky structure and is firmer and lighter in color than

the A horizon. It is the layer of maximum accumulation,

or illuviation, of clay, iron, aluminum, and other

constituents leached from the overlying layers.

The C horizon occurs below the A and B horizons.

It is composed of weathered material that is little

changed by the soil-forming processes.

Soil horizons are formed by the interaction of many

processes. Some of the more important ones are the

accumulation of organic matter; the leaching of soluble

salts; the reduction, transport, and oxidation of iron;

the formation and translocation of clay minerals; and

the formation of soil structure. These processes have

been taking place for thousands of years.
67

(1) American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. 1986.

Standard specifications for highway materials and methods of sampling and

testing. Ed. 14, 2 vols.

(2) American Society for Testing and Materials. 1993. Standard classification of soils

for engineering purposes. ASTM Stand. D 2487.

(3) DiGiovanni, Dawn M. 1990. Forest statistics for West Virginia1975 and 1989.

(4) Hennen, Ray V., and Robert M. Gawthrop. 1915. West Virginia geological survey,

Wyoming and McDowell Counties.

(5) Holmes, Darrell E., and others. 1992. West Virginia blue book. Rec. W. Va. Sen.,

Vol. 72.

(6) Jenny, Hans. 1941. Factors of soil formation.

(7) Schnur, G. Luther. 1937 (reprinted in 1961). Yield, stand, and volume tables for

even-aged upland oak forests. U.S. Dep. Agric. Tech. Bull. 560.

(8) United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Soils. 1914. Soil survey of

McDowell and Wyoming Counties, West Virginia.

(9) United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1975. Soil

taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for making and interpreting soil

surveys. U.S. Dep. Agric. Handb. 436.

(10) United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1981. Land

resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States. U.S. Dep.

Agric. Handb. 296.

(11) United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1993. Soil

survey manual. Soil Surv. Staff, U.S. Dep. Agric. Handb. 18.

(12) United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1994. Keys

to soil taxonomy. 6th ed. Soil Surv. Staff, Soil Manage. Support Serv. Tech.

Monogr. 19.

(13) United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. 1987. 1987

census of agriculture, geographic area series, West Virginia. Vol. 1, Part 48.

(14) West Virginia Department of Agriculture. 1991. The forest industry of West

Virginia. For. Div., Charleston, W. Va.

References

69

Access road. A road constructed to facilitate the use

and management of the land. Access roads are

designed for limited traffic and typically consist of

a cut slope, a roadbed, and a fill outslope.

Aeration, soil. The exchange of air in soil with air from

the atmosphere. The air in a well aerated soil is

similar to that in the atmosphere; the air in a

poorly aerated soil is considerably higher in

carbon dioxide and lower in oxygen.

Aggregate, soil. Many fine particles held in a single

mass or cluster. Natural soil aggregates, such as

granules, blocks, or prisms, are called peds. Clods

are aggregates produced by tillage or logging.

Alluvial fan. The fanlike deposit of a stream where it

issues from a gorge upon a plain or of a tributary

stream near or at its junction with its main stream.

Alluvium. Material, such as sand, silt, or clay,

deposited on land by streams.

Alpha,alpha-dipyridyl. A dye that when dissolved in

1N ammonium acetate is used to detect the

presence of reduced iron (Fe II) in the soil. A

positive reaction indicates a type of redoximorphic

feature.

Animal unit month (AUM). The amount of forage

required by one mature cow of approximately

1,000 pounds weight, with or without a calf, for 1

month.

Aquic conditions. Current soil wetness characterized

by saturation, reduction, and redoximorphic

features.

Aquifer. A water-bearing bed or stratum of permeable

rock, sand, or gravel capable of fielding

considerable quantities of water to wells or

springs.

Area reclaim (in tables). An area difficult to reclaim

after the removal of soil for construction and other

uses. Revegetation and erosion control are

extremely difficult.

Argillic horizon. A subsoil horizon characterized by

an accumulation of illuvial clay.

Aspect. The direction in which a slope faces.

Generally, cool aspects are north- to east-facing

and warm aspects are south- to west-facing.

Association, soil. A group of soils or miscellaneous

areas geographically associated in a characteristic

repeating pattern and defined and delineated as a

single map unit.

Atterberg limits. Atterberg limits are measured for

soil materials passing the No. 40 sieve. They

include the liquid limit (LL), which is the moisture

content at which the soil passes from a plastic to a

liquid state, and the plasticity index (PI), which is

the water content corresponding to an arbitrary

limit between the plastic and semisolid states of

consistency of a soil.

Available water capacity (available moisture

capacity). The capacity of soils to hold water

available for use by most plants. It is commonly

defined as the difference between the amount of

soil water at field moisture capacity and the

amount at wilting point. It is commonly expressed

as inches of water per inch of soil. The capacity, in

inches, in a 40-inch profile or to a limiting layer is

expressed as:

Very low ......................................................... 0 to 2.4

Low ............................................................. 2.4 to 3.2

Moderate .................................................... 3.2 to 5.2

High ..................................................... more than 5.2

Back slope. The geomorphic component that forms

the steepest inclined surface and principal

element of many hillsides. Back slopes in profile

are commonly steep, are linear, and may or may

not include cliff segments.

Basal area. The area of a cross section of a tree,

generally referring to the section at breast height

and measured outside the bark. It is a measure of

stand density, commonly expressed in square feet.

Basal till. Compact glacial till deposited beneath the

ice.

Base saturation. The degree to which material having

cation-exchange properties is saturated with

exchangeable bases (sum of Ca, Mg, Na, and K),

expressed as a percentage of the total cationexchange capacity.

Bedding planes. Fine strata, less than 5 millimeters

thick, in unconsolidated alluvial, eolian, lacustrine,

or marine sediment.

Bedding system. A drainage system made by

plowing, grading, or otherwise shaping the surface

Glossary
70 Soil Survey

of a flat field. It consists of a series of low ridges

separated by shallow, parallel dead furrows.

Bedrock. The solid rock that underlies the soil and

other unconsolidated material or that is exposed at

the surface.

Bedrock-controlled topography. A landscape where

the configuration and relief of the landforms are

determined or strongly influenced by the

underlying bedrock.

Bedrock escarpment. An intermittent to continuous

band of rock outcrop commonly more than 50 feet

in length and 5 feet wide. Commonly associated

with moderately steep to very steep soils.

Benchmark soil. A soil of large extent that holds a

key position in the soil classification system or is

of special significance to farming, engineering,

forestry, or other uses.

Bench terrace. A raised, level or nearly level strip of

earth constructed on or nearly on a contour,

supported by a barrier of rocks or similar material,

and designed to make the soil suitable for tillage

and to prevent accelerated erosion.

Bottom land. The normal flood plain of a stream,

subject to flooding.

Boulders. Rock fragments larger than 2 feet (60

centimeters) in diameter.

Breast height. An average height of 4.5 feet above

the ground surface; the point on a tree where

diameter measurements are ordinarily taken.

Brush management. Use of mechanical, chemical, or

biological methods to make conditions favorable

for reseeding or to reduce or eliminate competition

from woody vegetation and thus allow understory

grasses and forbs to recover. Brush management

increases forage production and thus reduces the

hazard of erosion. It can improve the habitat for

some species of wildlife.

Cable yarding. A method of moving felled trees to a

nearby central area for transport to a processing

facility. Most cable yarding systems involve use of

a drum, a pole, and wire cables in an arrangement

similar to that of a rod and reel used for fishing. To

reduce friction and soil disturbance, felled trees

generally are reeled in while one end is lifted or

the entire log is suspended.

Calcareous soil. A soil containing enough calcium

carbonate (commonly combined with magnesium

carbonate) to effervesce visibly when treated with

cold, dilute hydrochloric acid.

Canopy. The leafy crown of trees or shrubs. (See

Crown.)

Canyon. A long, deep, narrow, very steep-sided valley

with high, precipitous walls in an area of high local

relief.

Capillary water. Water held as a film around soil

particles and in tiny spaces between particles.

Surface tension is the adhesive force that holds

capillary water in the soil.

Carbolith. Dark-colored sedimentary rock that makes

a black or very dark (Munsell value of 3 or less)

streak or powder. It includes coal, bone coal, highcarbon shales, and high-carbon mudstone.

Generally, this material contains at least 25

percent carbonaceous matter oxidizable at 350 to

400 degrees C.

Catena. A sequence, or chain, of soils on a

landscape that formed in similar kinds of parent

material but have different characteristics as a

result of differences in relief and drainage.

Cation. An ion carrying a positive charge of electricity.

The common soil cations are calcium, potassium,

magnesium, sodium, and hydrogen.

Cation-exchange capacity. The total amount of

exchangeable cations that can be held by the soil,

expressed in terms of milliequivalents per 100

grams of soil at neutrality (pH 7.0) or at some

other stated pH value. The term, as applied to

soils, is synonymous with base-exchange capacity

but is more precise in meaning.

Cement rock. Shaly limestone used in the

manufacture of cement.

Channery soil material. Soil material that is, by

volume, 15 to 35 percent thin, flat fragments of

sandstone, shale, slate, limestone, or schist as

much as 6 inches (15 centimeters) along the

longest axis. A single piece is called a channer.

Chemical treatment. Control of unwanted vegetation

through the use of chemicals.

Chiseling. Tillage with an implement having one or

more soil-penetrating points that shatter or loosen

hard, compacted layers to a depth below normal

plow depth.

Clay. As a soil separate, the mineral soil particles less

than 0.002 millimeter in diameter. As a soil textural

class, soil material that is 40 percent or more clay,

less than 45 percent sand, and less than 40

percent silt.

Clay depletions. Low-chroma zones having a low

content of iron, manganese, and clay because of

the chemical reduction of iron and manganese

and the removal of iron, manganese, and clay. A

type of redoximorphic depletion.

Clay film. A thin coating of oriented clay on the

surface of a soil aggregate or lining pores or root

channels. Synonyms: clay coating, clay skin.

Claypan. A slowly permeable soil horizon that

contains much more clay than the horizons above
McDowell County, West Virginia 71

it. A claypan is commonly hard when dry and

plastic or stiff when wet.

Climax plant community. The stabilized plant

community on a particular site. The plant cover

reproduces itself and does not change so long as

the environment remains the same.

Coarse fragments. If round, mineral or rock particles

2 millimeters to 25 centimeters (10 inches) in

diameter; if flat, mineral or rock particles

(flagstone) 15 to 38 centimeters (6 to 15 inches)

long.

Coarse textured soil. Sand or loamy sand.

Cobble (or cobblestone). A rounded or partly

rounded fragment of rock 3 to 10 inches (7.6 to 25

centimeters) in diameter.

Cobbly soil material. Material that is 15 to 35

percent, by volume, rounded or partially rounded

rock fragments 3 to 10 inches (7.6 to 25

centimeters) in diameter. Very cobbly soil material

has 35 to 60 percent of these rock fragments, and

extremely cobbly soil material has more than 60

percent.

Colluvium. Soil material or rock fragments, or both,

moved by creep, slide, or local wash and

deposited at the base of steep slopes.

Complex slope. Irregular or variable slope. Planning

or establishing terraces, diversions, and other

water-control structures on a complex slope is

difficult.

Complex, soil. A map unit of two or more kinds of soil

or miscellaneous areas in such an intricate pattern

or so small in area that it is not practical to map

them separately at the selected scale of mapping.

The pattern and proportion of the soils or

miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar in all

areas.

Concretions. Cemented bodies with crude internal

symmetry organized around a point, a line, or a

plane. They typically take the form of concentric

layers visible to the naked eye. Calcium carbonate,

iron oxide, and manganese oxide are common

compounds making up concretions. If formed in

place, concretions of iron oxide or manganese

oxide are generally considered a type of

redoximorphic concentration.

Congeliturbate. Soil material disturbed by frost

action.

Conglomerate. A coarse-grained, clastic rock

composed of rounded or subangular rock

fragments more than 2 millimeters in diameter. It

commonly has a matrix of sand and finer textured

material. Conglomerate is the consolidated

equivalent of gravel.

Conservation cropping system. Growing crops in

combination with needed cultural and

management practices. In a good conservation

cropping system, the soil-improving crops and

practices more than offset the effects of the soildepleting crops and practices. Cropping systems

are needed on all tilled soils. Soil-improving

practices in a conservation cropping system

include the use of rotations that contain grasses

and legumes and the return of crop residue to the

soil. Other practices include the use of green

manure crops of grasses and legumes, proper

tillage, adequate fertilization, and weed and pest

control.

Conservation tillage. A tillage system that does not

invert the soil and that leaves a protective amount

of crop residue on the surface throughout the year.

Consistence, soil. Refers to the degree of cohesion

and adhesion of soil material and its resistance to

deformation when ruptured. Consistence includes

resistance of soil material to rupture and to

penetration; plasticity, toughness, and stickiness of

puddled soil material; and the manner in which the

soil material behaves when subject to

compression. Terms describing consistence are

defined in the Soil Survey Manual.

Contour stripcropping. Growing crops in strips that

follow the contour. Strips of grass or close-growing

crops are alternated with strips of clean-tilled

crops or summer fallow.

Control section. The part of the soil on which

classification is based. The thickness varies

among different kinds of soil, but for many it is that

part of the soil profile between depths of 10 inches

and 40 or 80 inches.

Coprogenous earth (sedimentary peat). Fecal

material deposited in water by aquatic organisms.

Corrosion. Soil-induced electrochemical or chemical

action that dissolves or weakens concrete or

uncoated steel.

Cove. The steep or very steep, concave colluvial area

at the head of drainageways in piedmont and

mountainous areas. Coves commonly have higher

tree site indexes than surrounding slopes.

Cover crop. A close-growing crop grown primarily to

improve and protect the soil between periods of

regular crop production, or a crop grown between

trees and vines in orchards and vineyards.

Cropping system. Growing crops according to a

planned system of rotation and management

practices.

Crop residue management. Returning crop residue

to the soil, which helps to maintain soil structure,

organic matter content, and fertility and helps to

control erosion.
72 Soil Survey

Cross-slope farming. Deliberately conducting

farming operations on sloping farmland in such a

way that tillage is across the general slope.

Crown. The upper part of a tree or shrub, including the

living branches and their foliage.

Culmination of the mean annual increment (CMAI).

The average annual increase per acre in the

volume of a stand. Computed by dividing the total

volume of the stand by its age. As the stand

increases in age, the mean annual increment

continues to increase until mortality begins to

reduce the rate of increase. The point where the

stand reaches its maximum annual rate of growth

is called the culmination of the mean annual

increment.

Cutbanks cave (in tables). The walls of excavations

tend to cave in or slough.

Dbh (diameter at breast height). The diameter of a

tree at 4.5 feet above the ground level on the uphill

side.

Deferred grazing. Postponing grazing or resting

grazing land for a prescribed period.

Delineation. The process of drawing or plotting

features on a map with lines and symbols.

Delta. A body of alluvium having a surface that is

nearly flat and fan shaped; deposited at or near

the mouth of a river or stream where it enters a

body of relatively quiet water, generally a sea or

lake.

Depth, soil. Generally, the thickness of the soil over

bedrock. Very deep soils are more than 60 inches

deep over bedrock; deep soils, 40 to 60 inches;

moderately deep, 20 to 40 inches; shallow, 10 to

20 inches; and very shallow, less than 10 inches.

Depth to rock (in tables). Bedrock is too near the

surface for the specified use.

Dip slope. A slope of the land surface, roughly

determined by and approximately conforming to

the dip of the underlying bedrock.

Diversion (or diversion terrace). A ridge of earth,

generally a terrace, built to protect downslope

areas by diverting runoff from its natural course.

Divided-slope farming. A form of field stripcropping

in which crops are grown in a systematic

arrangement of two strips, or bands, across the

slope to reduce the hazard of water erosion. One

strip is in a close-growing crop that provides

protection from erosion, and the other strip is in a

crop that provides less protection from erosion.

This practice is used where slopes are not long

enough to permit a full stripcropping pattern to be

used.

Drainage class (natural). Refers to the frequency and

duration of wet periods under conditions similar to

those under which the soil formed. Alterations of

the water regime by human activities, either

through drainage or irrigation, are not a

consideration unless they have significantly

changed the morphology of the soil. Seven

classes of natural soil drainage are recognized

excessively drained, somewhat excessively

drained, well drained, moderately well drained,

somewhat poorly drained, poorly drained, and

very poorly drained. These classes are defined in

the Soil Survey Manual.

Drainage, surface. Runoff, or surface flow of water,

from an area.

Draw. A small stream valley that generally is more

open and has broader bottom land than a ravine

or gulch.

Duff. A generally firm organic layer on the surface of

mineral soils. It consists of fallen plant material

that is in the process of decomposition and

includes everything from the litter on the surface to

underlying pure humus.

Eluviation. The movement of material in true solution

or colloidal suspension from one place to another

within the soil. Soil horizons that have lost material

through eluviation are eluvial; those that have

received material are illuvial.

Endosaturation. A type of saturation of the soil in

which all horizons between the upper boundary of

saturation and a depth of 2 meters are saturated.

Engineering index test data. Laboratory test and

mechanical analysis of selected soils in the

county.

Eolian soil material. Earthy parent material

accumulated through wind action; commonly

refers to sandy material in dunes or to loess in

blankets on the surface.

Ephemeral stream. A stream, or reach of a stream,

that flows only in direct response to precipitation. It

receives no long-continued supply from melting

snow or other source, and its channel is above the

water table at all times.

Episaturation. A type of saturation indicating a

perched water table in a soil in which saturated

layers are underlain by one or more unsaturated

layers within 2 meters of the surface.

Erosion. The wearing away of the land surface by

water, wind, ice, or other geologic agents and by

such processes as gravitational creep.

Erosion (geologic). Erosion caused by geologic

processes acting over long geologic periods and

resulting in the wearing away of mountains and

the building up of such landscape features as

flood plains and coastal plains. Synonym: natural

erosion.
McDowell County, West Virginia 73

Erosion (accelerated). Erosion much more rapid

than geologic erosion, mainly as a result of human

or animal activities or of a catastrophe in nature,

such as a fire, that exposes the surface.

Erosion pavement. A layer of gravel or stones that

remains on the surface after fine particles are

removed by sheet or rill erosion.

Escarpment. A relatively continuous and steep slope

or cliff breaking the general continuity of more

gently sloping land surfaces and resulting from

erosion or faulting. Exposed material is hard or

soft bedrock. Areas identified on the detailed soil

maps by a special symbol typically are long,

narrow bands that are less than 2 acres in size.

Synonym: scarp.

Evapotranspiration. The combined loss of water from

a given area through surface evaporation and

through transpiration by plants during a specified

period.

Excess fines (in tables). Excess silt and clay in the

soil. The soil does not provide a source of gravel

or sand for construction purposes.

Fallow. Cropland left idle in order to restore

productivity through accumulation of moisture.

Summer fallow is common in regions of limited

rainfall where cereal grain is grown. The soil is

tilled for at least one growing season for weed

control and decomposition of plant residue.

Fan terrace. A relict alluvial fan, no longer a site of

active deposition, incised by younger and lower

alluvial surfaces.

Fertility, soil. The quality that enables a soil to provide

plant nutrients, in adequate amounts and in proper

balance, for the growth of specified plants when

light, moisture, temperature, tilth, and other growth

factors are favorable.

Fibric soil material (peat). The least decomposed of

all organic soil material. Peat contains a large

amount of well preserved fiber that is readily

identifiable according to botanical origin. Peat has

the lowest bulk density and the highest water

content at saturation of all organic soil material.

Field moisture capacity. The moisture content of a

soil, expressed as a percentage of the ovendry

weight, after the gravitational, or free, water has

drained away; the field moisture content 2 or 3

days after a soaking rain; also called normal field

capacity, normal moisture capacity, or capillary

capacity.

Fill slope. A sloping surface consisting of excavated

soil material from a road cut. It commonly is on the

downhill side of the road.

Fine textured soil. Sandy clay, silty clay, or clay.

Firebreak. An area cleared of flammable material to

stop or help control creeping or running fires. It

also serves as a line from which to work and to

facilitate the movement of firefighters and

equipment. Designated roads also serve as

firebreaks.

First bottom. The normal flood plain of a stream,

subject to frequent or occasional flooding.

Flaggy soil material. Material that is, by volume, 15 to

35 percent flagstones. Very flaggy soil material is

35 to 60 percent flagstones, and extremely flaggy

soil material is more than 60 percent flagstones.

Flagstone. A thin fragment of sandstone, limestone,

slate, shale, or (rarely) schist 6 to 15 inches (15 to

38 centimeters) long.

Flooding. The temporary covering of the soil surface

by flowing water from any source, such as

overflowing streams, runoff from adjacent or

surrounding slopes, and inflow from high tides.

The frequency of flooding generally is expressed

as none, rare, occasional, or frequent. None

means that flooding is not probable. Rare means

that flooding is unlikely but possible under unusual

weather conditions (the chance of flooding is

nearly 0 percent to 5 percent in any year).

Occasional means that flooding occurs

infrequently under normal weather conditions (the

chance of flooding is 5 to 50 percent in any year).

Frequent means that flooding occurs often under

normal weather conditions (the chance of flooding

is more than 50 percent in any year). The duration

of flooding is expressed as very brief (less than 2

days), brief (2 to 7 days), long (7 days to 1 month),

and very long (more than 1 month).

Flood plain. A nearly level alluvial plain that borders a

stream and is subject to flooding unless protected

artificially.

Fluvial. Of or pertaining to rivers; produced by river

action, as a fluvial plain.

Foothill. A steeply sloping upland that has relief of as

much as 1,000 feet (300 meters) and fringes a

mountain range or high-plateau escarpment.

Foot slope. The inclined surface at the base of a hill.

Forb. Any herbaceous plant not a grass or a sedge.

Forest cover. All trees and other woody plants

(underbrush) covering the ground in a forest.

Forest type. A stand of trees similar in composition

and development because of given physical and

biological factors which differentiate it from other

stands.

Fragipan. A loamy, brittle subsurface horizon low in

porosity and content of organic matter and low or

moderate in clay but high in silt or very fine sand.

A fragipan appears cemented and restricts roots.

When dry, it is hard or very hard and has a higher
74 Soil Survey

bulk density than the horizon or horizons above.

When moist, it tends to rupture suddenly under

pressure rather than to deform slowly.

Genesis, soil. The mode of origin of the soil. Refers

especially to the processes or soil-forming factors

responsible for the formation of the solum, or true

soil, from the unconsolidated parent material.

Gilgai. Commonly, a succession of microbasins and

microknolls in nearly level areas or of microvalleys

and microridges parallel with the slope. Typically,

the microrelief of clayey soils that shrink and swell

considerably with changes in moisture content.

Gleyed soil. Soil that formed under poor drainage,

resulting in the reduction of iron and other

elements in the profile and in gray colors.

Graded stripcropping. Growing crops in strips that

grade toward a protected waterway.

Grassed waterway. A natural or constructed

waterway, typically broad and shallow, seeded to

grass as protection against erosion. Conducts

surface water away from cropland.

Gravel. Rounded or angular fragments of rock as

much as 3 inches (2 millimeters to 7.6

centimeters) in diameter. An individual piece is a

pebble.

Gravelly soil material. Material that is 15 to 35

percent, by volume, rounded or angular rock

fragments, not prominently flattened, as much as

3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter.

Green manure crop (agronomy). A soil-improving

crop grown to be plowed under in an early stage

of maturity or soon after maturity.

Ground water. Water filling all the unblocked pores of

the material below the water table.

Gully. A very small channel with steep sides cut by

running water and through which water ordinarily

runs only after rainfall, icemelt, or snowmelt. The

distinction between a gully and a rill is one of

depth. A gully generally is an obstacle to farm

machinery and is too deep to be obliterated by

ordinary tillage; a rill is of lesser depth and can be

smoothed over by ordinary tillage. Areas identified

on the detailed soil maps by a special symbol

typically are less than 2 acres in size.

Hard bedrock. Bedrock that cannot be excavated

except by blasting or by the use of special

equipment that is not commonly used in

construction.

Hardpan. A hardened or cemented soil horizon, or

layer. The soil material is sandy, loamy, or clayey

and is cemented by iron oxide, silica, calcium

carbonate, or other substance.

Head out. To form a flower head.

Hemic soil material (mucky peat). Organic soil

material intermediate in degree of decomposition

between the less decomposed fibric material and

the more decomposed sapric material.

High-residue crops. Such crops as small grain and

corn that are used for grain. If properly managed,

residue from these crops can be used to control

erosion until the next crop in the rotation is

established. These crops return large amounts of

organic matter to the soil.

Hill. A natural elevation of the land surface, rising as

much as 1,000 feet above the surrounding

lowlands, commonly of limited summit area and

having a well defined outline; hillsides generally

have slopes of more than 15 percent. The

distinction between a hill and a mountain is

arbitrary and is dependent on local usage.

Horizon, soil. A layer of soil, approximately parallel to

the surface, having distinct characteristics

produced by soil-forming processes. In the

identification of soil horizons, an uppercase letter

represents the major horizons. Numbers or

lowercase letters that follow represent

subdivisions of the major horizons. An explanation

of the subdivisions is given in the Soil Survey

Manual. The major horizons of mineral soil are as

follows:

O horizon.An organic layer of fresh and

decaying plant residue.

A horizon.The mineral horizon at or near the

surface in which an accumulation of humified

organic matter is mixed with the mineral material.

Also, a plowed surface horizon, most of which was

originally part of a B horizon.

E horizon.The mineral horizon in which the main

feature is loss of silicate clay, iron, aluminum, or

some combination of these.

B horizon.The mineral horizon below an A

horizon. The B horizon is in part a layer of

transition from the overlying A horizon to the

underlying C horizon. The B horizon also has

distinctive characteristics, such as (1)

accumulation of clay, sesquioxides, humus, or a

combination of these; (2) prismatic or blocky

structure; (3) redder or browner colors than those

in the A horizon; or (4) a combination of these.

C horizon.The mineral horizon or layer,

excluding indurated bedrock, that is little affected

by soil-forming processes and does not have the

properties typical of the overlying soil material.

The material of a C horizon may be either like or

unlike that in which the solum formed. If the

material is known to differ from that in the solum,
McDowell County, West Virginia 75

an Arabic numeral, commonly a 2, precedes the

letter C.

Cr horizon.Soft, consolidated bedrock beneath

the soil.

R layer.Consolidated bedrock beneath the soil.

The bedrock commonly underlies a C horizon, but

it can be directly below an A or a B horizon.

Humus. The well decomposed, more or less stable

part of the organic matter in mineral soils.

Hydrologic soil groups. Refers to soils grouped

according to their runoff potential. The soil

properties that influence this potential are those

that affect the minimum rate of water infiltration on

a bare soil during periods after prolonged wetting

when the soil is not frozen. These properties are

depth to a high water table, the infiltration rate and

permeability after prolonged wetting, and depth to

a very slowly permeable layer. The slope and the

kind of plant cover are not considered but are

separate factors in predicting runoff.

Igneous rock. Rock formed by solidification from a

molten or partially molten state. Major varieties

include plutonic and volcanic rock. Examples are

andesite, basalt, and granite.

Illuviation. The movement of soil material from one

horizon to another in the soil profile. Generally,

material is removed from an upper horizon and

deposited in a lower horizon.

Impervious soil. A soil through which water, air, or

roots penetrate slowly or not at all. No soil is

absolutely impervious to air and water all the time.

Infiltration. The downward entry of water into the

immediate surface of soil or other material, as

contrasted with percolation, which is movement of

water through soil layers or material.

Infiltration capacity. The maximum rate at which

water can infiltrate into a soil under a given set of

conditions.

Infiltration rate. The rate at which water penetrates

the surface of the soil at any given instant, usually

expressed in inches per hour. The rate can be

limited by the infiltration capacity of the soil or the

rate at which water is applied at the surface.

Intake rate. The average rate of water entering the

soil under irrigation. Most soils have a fast initial

rate; the rate decreases with application time.

Therefore, intake rate for design purposes is not a

constant but is a variable depending on the net

irrigation application. The rate of water intake, in

inches per hour, is expressed as follows:

Less than 0.2 ............................................... very low

0.2 to 0.4 .............................................................. low

0.4 to 0.75 ......................................... moderately low

0.75 to 1.25 ................................................ moderate

1.25 to 1.75 ..................................... moderately high

1.75 to 2.5 .......................................................... high

More than 2.5 ............................................. very high

Intermittent stream. A stream, or reach of a stream,

that flows for prolonged periods only when it

receives ground-water discharge or long,

continued contributions from melting snow or other

surface and shallow subsurface sources.

Iron depletions. Low-chroma zones that have a low

content of iron and manganese oxide because of

chemical reduction and removal but also have a

clay content similar to that of the adjacent matrix.

A type of redoximorphic depletion.

Karst (topography). The relief of an area underlain by

limestone that dissolves in differing degrees, thus

forming numerous depressions or small basins.

Knoll. A small, low, rounded hill rising above adjacent

landforms.

Lacustrine deposit. Material deposited in lake water

and exposed when the water level is lowered or

the elevation of the land is raised.

Landslide. The rapid downhill movement of a mass of

soil and loose rock, generally when wet or

saturated. The speed and distance of movement,

as well as the amount of soil and rock material,

vary greatly.

Large stones (in tables). Rock fragments 3 inches

(7.6 centimeters) or more across. Large stones

adversely affect the specified use of the soil.

Leaching. The removal of soluble material from soil or

other material by percolating water.

Liquid limit. The moisture content at which the soil

passes from a plastic to a liquid state.

Lithochromic mottles. Mottles that have colors

derived from the parent rocks, as exposed to

pedogenic processes.

Loam. Soil material that is 7 to 27 percent clay

particles, 28 to 50 percent silt particles, and less

than 52 percent sand particles.

Loess. Fine-grained material, dominantly of silt-sized

particles, deposited by the wind.

Low-residue crops. Such crops as corn used for

silage, peas, beans, and potatoes. Residue from

these crops is not adequate to control erosion until

the next crop in the rotation is established. These

crops return little organic matter to the soil.

Marl. An earthy, unconsolidated deposit consisting

chiefly of calcium carbonate mixed with clay in

approximately equal amounts.

Masses. Concentrations of substances in the soil

matrix that do not have a clearly defined boundary

with the surrounding soil material and cannot be

removed as a discrete unit. Common compounds

making up masses are calcium carbonate,
76 Soil Survey

gypsum or other soluble salts, iron oxide, and

manganese oxide. Masses consisting of iron oxide

or manganese oxide generally are considered a

type of redoximorphic concentration.

Mean annual increment. The average annual volume

of a stand of trees from the year of origin to the

age under consideration.

Mechanical treatment. Use of mechanical equipment

for seeding, brush management, and other

management practices.

Medium textured soil. Very fine sandy loam, loam,

silt loam, or silt.

Metamorphic rock. Rock of any origin altered in

mineralogical composition, chemical composition,

or structure by heat, pressure, and movement.

Nearly all such rocks are crystalline.

Mine or quarry (map symbol). An open excavation

from which the soil and underlying material have

been removed, exposing bedrock; or the surface

opening to underground mines. Areas identified on

the detailed soil maps by a special symbol

typically are less than 2 acres in size.

Mineral soil. Soil that is mainly mineral material and

low in organic material. Its bulk density is more

than that of organic soil.

Mine soil. A relatively young soil that formed in earthy

materials from deep or surface mining of coal.

Minimum tillage. Only the tillage essential to crop

production and prevention of soil damage.

Moderately coarse textured soil. Coarse sandy

loam, sandy loam, or fine sandy loam.

Moderately fine textured soil. Clay loam, sandy clay

loam, or silty clay loam.

Morphology, soil. The physical makeup of the soil,

including the texture, structure, porosity,

consistence, color, and other physical, mineral,

and biological properties of the various horizons

and the thickness and arrangement of those

horizons in the soil profile.

Mottling, soil. Irregular spots of different colors that

vary in number and size. Descriptive terms are as

follows: abundancefew, common, and many;

sizefine, medium, and coarse; and contrast

faint, distinct, and prominent. The size

measurements are of the diameter along the

greatest dimension. Fine indicates less than 5

millimeters (about 0.2 inch); medium, from 5 to 15

millimeters (about 0.2 to 0.6 inch); and coarse,

more than 15 millimeters (about 0.6 inch).

Mountain. A natural elevation of the land surface,

rising more than 1,000 feet above surrounding

lowlands, commonly of restricted summit area

(relative to a plateau), and generally having steep

sides. A mountain can occur as a single, isolated

mass or in a group forming a chain or range.

Muck. Dark, finely divided, well decomposed organic

soil material. (See Sapric soil material.)

Mudstone. Sedimentary rock formed by induration of

silt and clay in approximately equal amounts.

Munsell notation. A designation of color by degrees

of three simple variableshue, value, and

chroma. For example, a notation of 10YR 6/4 is a

color with hue of 10YR, value of 6, and chroma of

4.

Neutral soil. A soil having a pH value of 6.6 to 7.3.

(See Reaction, soil.)

Nodules. Cemented bodies lacking visible internal

structure. Calcium carbonate, iron oxide, and

manganese oxide are common compounds

making up nodules. If formed in place, nodules of

iron oxide or manganese oxide are considered

types of redoximorphic concentrations.

Nutrient, plant. Any element taken in by a plant

essential to its growth. Plant nutrients are mainly

nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium,

magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, copper,

boron, and zinc obtained from the soil and carbon,

hydrogen, and oxygen obtained from the air and

water.

Organic matter. Plant and animal residue in the soil in

various stages of decomposition.

Outslope. The exposed area sloping down and away

from the bench section of a surface mine.

Outwash plain. A landform of mainly sandy or coarse

textured material of glaciofluvial origin. An

outwash plain is commonly smooth; where pitted,

it generally is low in relief.

Pan. A compact, dense layer in a soil that impedes the

movement of water and the growth of roots. For

example, hardpan, fragipan, claypan, plowpan,

and traffic pan.

Parent material. The unconsolidated organic and

mineral material in which soil forms.

Peat. Unconsolidated material, largely undecomposed

organic matter, that has accumulated under

excess moisture. (See Fibric soil material.)

Ped. An individual natural soil aggregate, such as a

granule, a prism, or a block.

Pedon. The smallest volume that can be called a soil.

A pedon is three dimensional and large enough to

permit study of all horizons. Its area ranges from

about 10 to 100 square feet (1 square meter to 10

square meters), depending on the variability of the

soil.

Percolation. The downward movement of water

through the soil.
McDowell County, West Virginia 77

Permafrost. Layers of soil, or even bedrock, occurring

in arctic or subarctic regions, in which a

temperature below freezing has existed

continuously for a long time.

Permeability. The quality of the soil that enables water

or air to move downward through the profile. The

rate at which a saturated soil transmits water is

accepted as a measure of this quality. In soil

physics, the rate is referred to as saturated

hydraulic conductivity, which is defined in the Soil

Survey Manual. In line with conventional usage in

the engineering profession and with traditional

usage in published soil surveys, this rate of flow

continues to be expressed as permeability. Terms

describing permeability, measured in inches per

hour, are as follows:

Extremely slow ................................. 0.0 to 0.01 inch

Very slow ........................................ 0.01 to 0.06 inch

Slow.................................................. 0.06 to 0.2 inch

Moderately slow ................................. 0.2 to 0.6 inch

Moderate ................................ 0.6 inch to 2.0 inches

Moderately rapid ............................ 2.0 to 6.0 inches

Rapid ............................................... 6.0 to 20 inches

Very rapid ................................. more than 20 inches

Phase, soil. A subdivision of a soil series based on

features that affect its use and management, such

as slope, stoniness, and flooding.

pH value. A numerical designation of acidity and

alkalinity in soil. (See Reaction, soil.)

Piping (in tables). Formation of subsurface tunnels or

pipelike cavities by water moving through the soil.

Plasticity index. The numerical difference between

the liquid limit and the plastic limit; the range of

moisture content within which the soil remains

plastic.

Plastic limit. The moisture content at which a soil

changes from semisolid to plastic.

Plateau. An extensive upland mass having a relatively

flat summit area that is considerably elevated

(more than 100 meters) above adjacent lowlands

and separated from them on one or more sides by

escarpments.

Playa. The generally dry and nearly level lake plain

that occupies the lowest parts of closed

depressional areas, such as those on

intermontane basin floors. Temporary flooding

occurs primarily in response to precipitation and

runoff.

Plowpan. A compacted layer formed in the soil

directly below the plowed layer.

Ponding. Standing water on soils in closed

depressions. Unless the soils are artificially

drained, the water can be removed only by

percolation or evapotranspiration.

Poor filter (in tables). Because of rapid or very rapid

permeability, the soil may not adequately filter

effluent from a waste disposal system.

Poorly graded. Refers to a coarse-grained soil or soil

material consisting mainly of particles of nearly

the same size. Because there is little difference in

size of the particles, density can be increased only

slightly by compaction.

Potential native plant community. See Climax plant

community.

Potential rooting depth (effective rooting depth).

Depth to which roots could penetrate if the content

of moisture in the soil were adequate. The soil has

no properties restricting the penetration of roots to

this depth.

Prescribed burning. Deliberately burning an area for

specific management purposes, under the

appropriate weather conditions and soil moisture

conditions and at the proper time of day.

Productivity, soil. The capability of a soil for

producing a specified plant or sequence of plants

under specific management.

Profile, soil. A vertical section of the soil extending

through all its horizons and into the parent

material.

Proper grazing use. Grazing at an intensity that

maintains enough cover to protect the soil and

maintain or improve the quantity and quality of the

desirable vegetation. This practice increases the

vigor and reproduction capacity of the key plants

and promotes the accumulation of litter and mulch

necessary to conserve soil and water.

Reaction, soil. A measure of acidity or alkalinity of a

soil, expressed in pH values. A soil that tests to pH

7.0 is described as precisely neutral in reaction

because it is neither acid nor alkaline. The

degrees of acidity or alkalinity, expressed as pH

values, are:

Ultra acid .............................................. less than 3.5

Extremely acid ........................................... 3.5 to 4.4

Very strongly acid ...................................... 4.5 to 5.0

Strongly acid .............................................. 5.1 to 5.5

Moderately acid .......................................... 5.6 to 6.0

Slightly acid ................................................ 6.1 to 6.5

Neutral ........................................................ 6.6 to 7.3

Slightly alkaline .......................................... 7.4 to 7.8

Moderately alkaline .................................... 7.9 to 8.4

Strongly alkaline ........................................ 8.5 to 9.0

Very strongly alkaline ......................... 9.1 and higher

Red beds. Sedimentary strata that are mainly red and

are made up largely of sandstone and shale.
78 Soil Survey

Redoximorphic concentrations. Nodules,

concretions, soft masses, pore linings, and other

features resulting from the accumulation of iron or

manganese oxide. They indicate chemical

reduction and oxidation resulting from saturation.

Redoximorphic depletions. Low-chroma zones from

which iron and manganese oxide or a combination

of iron and manganese oxide and clay has been

removed. They indicate the chemical reduction of

iron resulting from saturation.

Redoximorphic features. Redoximorphic

concentrations, redoximorphic depletions, reduced

matrices, a positive reaction to alpha,alphadipyridyl, and other features indicating the

chemical reduction and oxidation of iron and

manganese compounds resulting from saturation.

Descriptive terms for concentrations and

depletions are as follows: abundancefew,

common, and many; sizefine, medium, and

coarse; and contrastfaint, distinct, and

prominent. The size measurements are of the

diameter along the greatest dimension. Fine

indicates less than 5 millimeters (about 0.2 inch);

medium, from 5 to 15 millimeters (about 0.2 to 0.6

inch); and coarse, more than 15 millimeters (about

0.6 inch).

Reduced matrix. A soil matrix that has low chroma in

situ because of chemically reduced iron (Fe II).

The chemical reduction results from nearly

continuous wetness. The matrix undergoes a

change in hue or chroma within 30 minutes after

exposure to air as the iron is oxidized (Fe III). A

type of redoximorphic feature.

Reforestation. The process in which tree seedlings

are planted or become naturally established in an

area that was once forested.

Regolith. The unconsolidated mantle of weathered

rock and soil material on the earths surface; the

loose earth material above the solid rock.

Relief. The elevations or inequalities of a land surface,

considered collectively.

Residuum (residual soil material). Unconsolidated,

weathered or partly weathered mineral material

that accumulated as consolidated rock

disintegrated in place.

Ridge. A long, narrow elevation of the land surface,

commonly having a sharp crest and steep sides.

Rill. A steep-sided channel resulting from accelerated

erosion. A rill generally is a few inches deep and

not wide enough to be an obstacle to farm

machinery.

Road cut. A sloping surface produced by mechanical

means during road construction. It is commonly on

the uphill side of the road.

Rock fragments. Rock or mineral fragments having a

diameter of 2 millimeters or more; for example,

pebbles, cobbles, stones, and boulders.

Rock outcrop. An area of exposed bedrock in a map

unit that has less than 0.1 percent exposed

bedrock. Areas identified on the detailed soil maps

by a special symbol typically are less than 2 acres

in size.

Rooting depth (in tables). Shallow root zone. The soil

is shallow over a layer that greatly restricts roots.

Root zone. The part of the soil that can be penetrated

by plant roots.

Runoff. The precipitation discharged into stream

channels from an area. The water that flows off the

surface of the land without sinking into the soil is

called surface runoff. Water that enters the soil

before reaching surface streams is called groundwater runoff or seepage flow from ground water.

Sand. As a soil separate, individual rock or mineral

fragments ranging from 0.05 millimeter to 2.0

millimeters in diameter. Most sand grains consist

of quartz. As a soil textural class, a soil that is 85

percent or more sand and not more than 10

percent clay.

Sandstone. Sedimentary rock containing dominantly

sand-sized particles.

Sapric soil material (muck). The most highly

decomposed of all organic soil material. Muck has

the least amount of plant fiber, the highest bulk

density, and the lowest water content at saturation

of all organic soil material.

Saprolite. Unconsolidated residual material

underlying the soil and grading to hard bedrock

below.

Saturation. Wetness characterized by zero or positive

pressure of the soil water. Under conditions of

saturation, the water will flow from the soil matrix

into an unlined auger hole.

Scarification. The act of abrading, scratching,

loosening, crushing, or modifying the surface to

increase water absorption or to provide a more

tillable soil.

Second bottom. The first terrace above the normal

flood plain (or first bottom) of a river.

Sedimentary rock. Rock made up of particles

deposited from suspension in water. The chief

kinds of sedimentary rock are conglomerate,

formed from gravel; sandstone, formed from sand;

shale, formed from clay; and limestone, formed

from soft masses of calcium carbonate. There are

many intermediate types. Some wind-deposited

sand is consolidated into sandstone.

Seepage (in tables). The movement of water through
McDowell County, West Virginia 79

the soil. Seepage adversely affects the specified

use.

Sequum. A sequence consisting of an illuvial horizon

and the overlying eluvial horizon. (See Eluviation.)

Series, soil. A group of soils that have profiles that are

almost alike, except for differences in texture of

the surface layer. All the soils of a series have

horizons that are similar in composition, thickness,

and arrangement.

Shale. Sedimentary rock formed by the hardening of a

clay deposit.

Sheet erosion. The removal of a fairly uniform layer of

soil material from the land surface by the action of

rainfall and surface runoff.

Shrink-swell (in tables). The shrinking of soil when

dry and the swelling when wet. Shrinking and

swelling can damage roads, dams, building

foundations, and other structures. It can also

damage plant roots.

Side slope. The landscape position that is directly

below the shoulder and directly above the toe

slope. It makes up most of the mountainside or

hillside.

Silica. A combination of silicon and oxygen. The

mineral form is called quartz.

Silt. As a soil separate, individual mineral particles

that range in diameter from the upper limit of clay

(0.002 millimeter) to the lower limit of very fine

sand (0.05 millimeter). As a soil textural class, soil

that is 80 percent or more silt and less than 12

percent clay.

Siltstone. Sedimentary rock made up of dominantly

silt-sized particles.

Silviculture. A branch of forestry concerned with the

maintenance and development of forests for the

sustained production of forest products.

Similar soils. Soils that share limits of diagnostic

criteria, behave and perform in a similar manner,

and have similar conservation needs or

management requirements for the major land uses

in the survey area.

Sinkhole. A depression in the landscape where

limestone has been dissolved.

Site index. A designation of the quality of a forest site

based on the height of the dominant stand at an

arbitrarily chosen age. For example, if the average

height attained by dominant and codominant trees

in a fully stocked stand at the age of 50 years is

75 feet, the site index is 75.

Skidding. A method of moving felled trees to a nearby

central area for transport to a processing facility.

Most systems involve pulling the trees with wire

cables attached to a bulldozer or a rubber-tired

tractor. Generally, felled trees are skidded or

pulled with one end lifted to reduce friction and soil

disturbance.

Skid trails. The paths left by skidding logs and the

bulldozer or tractor used to pull them.

Slope. The inclination of the land surface from the

horizontal. Percentage of slope is the vertical

distance divided by horizontal distance, then

multiplied by 100. Thus, a slope of 20 percent is a

drop of 20 feet in 100 feet of horizontal distance. In

this survey, classes for simple slopes are as

follows:

Nearly level ......................................... 0 to 3 percent

Gently sloping ..................................... 3 to 8 percent

Strongly sloping ................................ 8 to 15 percent

Moderately steep ............................ 15 to 25 percent

Steep ............................................... 25 to 35 percent

Very steep ....................................... 35 to 55 percent

Extremely steep ........... 35 to 80 percent and higher

Slope (in tables). Slope is great enough that special

practices are required to ensure satisfactory

performance of the soil for a specific use.

Small stones (in tables). Rock fragments less than 3

inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter. Small stones

adversely affect the specified use of the soil.

Soft bedrock. Bedrock that can be excavated with

trenching machines, backhoes, small rippers, and

other equipment commonly used in construction.

Soil. A natural, three-dimensional body at the earths

surface. It is capable of supporting plants and has

properties resulting from the integrated effect of

climate and living matter acting on earthy parent

material, as conditioned by relief over periods of

time.

Soil creep. The slow mass movement of soil and soil

materials downslope, primarily under the influence

of gravity, facilitated by water saturation and by

alternating periods of freezing and thawing.

Soil map unit. A kind of soil or miscellaneous area or

a combination of two or more soils or one or more

soils and one or more miscellaneous areas that

can be shown at the scale of mapping for the

defined purposes and objectives of the soil survey.

Soil map units generally are designed to reflect

significant differences in use and management

among the soils of a survey area.

Soil sample site (map symbol). The location of a

typifying pedon in the survey area.

Soil separates. Mineral particles less than 2

millimeters in equivalent diameter and ranging

between specified size limits. The names and

sizes, in millimeters, of separates recognized in

the United States are as follows:
80 Soil Survey

Very coarse sand ....................................... 2.0 to 1.0

Coarse sand ............................................... 1.0 to 0.5

Medium sand ........................................... 0.5 to 0.25

Fine sand ............................................... 0.25 to 0.10

Very fine sand ........................................ 0.10 to 0.05

Silt ........................................................ 0.05 to 0.002

Clay .................................................. less than 0.002

Soil strength. The load-supporting capacity of a soil

at specific moisture and density conditions.

Solum. The upper part of a soil profile, above the C

horizon, in which the processes of soil formation

are active. The solum in soil consists of the A, E,

and B horizons. Generally, the characteristics of

the material in these horizons are unlike those of

the material below the solum. The living roots and

plant and animal activities are largely confined to

the solum.

Spoil area. An area where earthy material has been

piled and either smoothed or left uneven. Areas

identified on the detailed soil maps by a special

symbol typically are less than 2 acres in size.

Stand density. The degree to which an area is

covered with living trees. It is usually expressed in

units of basal areas per acre, number of trees per

acre, or the percentage of ground covered by the

tree canopy as viewed from above.

Stone line. A concentration of rock fragments in a soil.

Generally, it is indicative of an old weathered

surface. In a cross section, the line may be one

fragment or more thick. It generally overlies

material that weathered in place and is overlain by

recent sediment of variable thickness.

Stones. Rock fragments 10 to 24 inches (25 to 60

centimeters) in diameter if rounded or 15 to 24

inches (38 to 60 centimeters) in length if flat.

Stony. Refers to a soil containing stones in numbers

that interfere with or prevent tillage.

Stripcropping. Growing crops in a systematic

arrangement of strips or bands that provide

vegetative barriers to soil blowing and water

erosion.

Structure, soil. The arrangement of primary soil

particles into compound particles or aggregates.

The principal forms of soil structure areplaty

(laminated), prismatic (vertical axis of aggregates

longer than horizontal), columnar (prisms with

rounded tops), blocky (angular or subangular),

and granular. Structureless soils are either single

grain (each grain by itself, as in dune sand) or

massive (the particles adhering without any

regular cleavage, as in many hardpans).

Stubble mulch. Stubble or other crop residue left on

the soil or partly worked into the soil. It protects

the soil from soil blowing and water erosion after

harvest, during preparation of a seedbed for the

next crop, and during the early growing period of

the new crop.

Subsoil. Technically, the B horizon; roughly, the part of

the solum below plow depth.

Subsoiling. Tilling a soil below normal plow depth,

ordinarily to shatter a hardpan or claypan.

Substratum. The part of the soil below the solum.

Subsurface layer. Any surface soil horizon (A, E, AB,

or EB) below the surface layer. Generally refers to

a leached horizon lighter in color and lower in

content of organic matter than the overlying

surface layer.

Summer fallow. The tillage of uncropped land during

the summer to control weeds and allow storage of

moisture in the soil for the growth of a later crop. A

practice common in semiarid regions, where

annual precipitation is not enough to produce a

crop every year. Summer fallow is frequently

practiced before planting winter grain.

Surface layer. The soil ordinarily moved in tillage, or

its equivalent in uncultivated soil, ranging in depth

from 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 centimeters).

Frequently designated as the plow layer, or the

Ap horizon.

Surface soil. The A, E, AB, and EB horizons,

considered collectively. It includes all subdivisions

of these horizons.

Talus. Fragments of rock and other soil material

accumulated by gravity at the foot of cliffs or steep

slopes.

Terrace. An embankment, or ridge, constructed

across sloping soils on the contour or at a slight

angle to the contour. The terrace intercepts

surface runoff so that water soaks into the soil or

flows slowly to a prepared outlet. A terrace in a

field generally is built so that the field can be

farmed. A terrace intended mainly for drainage

has a deep channel that is maintained in

permanent sod.

Terrace (geologic). An old alluvial plain, ordinarily flat

or undulating, bordering a river, a lake, or the sea.

Texture, soil. The relative proportions of sand, silt,

and clay particles in a mass of soil. The basic

textural classes, in order of increasing proportion

of fine particles, are sand, loamy sand, sandy

loam, loam, silt loam, silt, sandy clay loam, clay

loam, silty clay loam, sandy clay, silty clay, and

clay. The sand, loamy sand, and sandy loam

classes may be further divided by specifying

coarse, fine, or very fine.
McDowell County, West Virginia 81

Thin layer (in tables). Otherwise suitable soil material

that is too thin for the specified use.

Tilth, soil. The physical condition of the soil as related

to tillage, seedbed preparation, seedling

emergence, and root penetration.

Toe slope. The outermost inclined surface at the base

of a hill; part of a foot slope.

Topography. The relative positions and elevations of

the natural or manmade features of an area that

describe the configuration of its surface.

Topsoil. The upper part of the soil, which is the most

favorable material for plant growth. It is ordinarily

rich in organic matter and is used to topdress

roadbanks, lawns, and land affected by mining.

Trace elements. Chemical elements, for example,

zinc, cobalt, manganese, copper, and iron, in soils

in extremely small amounts. They are essential to

plant growth.

Understory. The trees and other woody species

growing under a more or less continuous cover of

branches and foliage formed collectively by the

upper portions of adjacent trees and other woody

growth.

Upland. Land at a higher elevation, in general, than

the alluvial plain or stream terrace; land above the

lowlands along streams.

Variegation. Refers to patterns of contrasting colors

assumed to be inherited from the parent material

rather than to be the result of poor drainage.

Water bars. Smooth, shallow ditches or depressional

areas that are excavated at an angle across a

sloping road. They are used to reduce the

downward velocity of water and to divert water off

and away from the road surface. Water bars can

be easily driven over if they are constructed

properly.

Weathering. All physical and chemical changes

produced in rocks or other deposits at or near the

earths surface by atmospheric agents. These

changes result in disintegration and

decomposition of the material.

Well graded. Refers to soil material consisting of

coarse-grained particles that are well distributed

over a wide range in size or diameter. Such soil

normally can be easily increased in density and

bearing properties by compaction. Contrasts with

poorly graded soil.

Wilting point (or permanent wilting point). The

moisture content of soil, on an ovendry basis, at

which a plant (specifically a sunflower) wilts so

much that it does not recover when placed in a

humid, dark chamber.

Windthrow. The uprooting and tipping over of trees by

the wind.

Yarding paths. The paths left by cable-yarded logs as

they were pulled uphill or downhill to a nearby

area.

Yield (forest land). The volume of wood fiber from

trees harvested in a certain unit of area. Yield is

usually measured in board feet or cubic feet per

acre.

83

Tables
84 Soil Survey

 Table 1.—Temperature and Precipitation

 (Recorded in the period 1951-86 at Gary, West Virginia)

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | |

 | Temperature | Precipitation

 __________________________________________________________________________________________________ | |

 | | | | 2 years in | | |2 years in 10| |

 | | | | 10 will have-- | Average | | will have-- | Average | _______________________ _____________

 Month |Average|Average|Average| | |number of|Average| | |number of|Average

 | daily | daily | daily | Maximum | Minimum | growing | | Less | More |days with|snowfall

 |maximum|minimum| |temperature|temperature| degree | |than--|than--|0.10 inch|

 | | | | higher | lower | days* | | | | or more |

 | | | | than-- | than-- | | | | | | _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | o | o | o | o | o | | | | | |

 | F | F | F | F | F | Units | In | In | In | | In _ _ _ _ _ _____ __ __ | __ | | __

 | | | | | | | | | | |

January-----| 43.1 | 20.8 | 32.0 | 71 | -8 | 64 | 3.03 | 1.67| 4.00| 8 | 6.2

 | | | | | | | | | | |

February----| 46.8 | 22.6 | 34.7 | 73 | -1 | 69 | 3.05 | 1.65| 3.99| 8 | 5.7

 | | | | | | | | | | |

March-------| 55.6 | 29.9 | 42.8 | 82 | 10 | 173 | 3.69 | 1.94| 5.11| 9 | 2.7

 | | | | | | | | | | |

April-------| 67.2 | 38.6 | 52.9 | 88 | 21 | 387 | 3.56 | 2.14| 4.67| 9 | .2

 | | | | | | | | | | |

May---------| 75.8 | 47.6 | 61.7 | 90 | 29 | 673 | 4.00 | 2.66| 5.22| 9 | .0

 | | | | | | | | | | |

June--------| 82.1 | 55.9 | 69.0 | 92 | 40 | 870 | 3.49 | 1.91| 4.67| 8 | .0

 | | | | | | | | | | |

July--------| 85.4 | 60.8 | 73.1 | 95 | 47 | 1,026 | 4.49 | 2.76| 5.92| 9 | .0

 | | | | | | | | | | |

August------| 84.5 | 60.1 | 72.3 | 94 | 47 | 1,001 | 3.91 | 2.71| 5.00| 7 | .0

 | | | | | | | | | | |

September---| 79.1 | 53.2 | 66.2 | 92 | 35 | 786 | 2.98 | 1.23| 4.11| 6 | .0

 | | | | | | | | | | |

October-----| 68.7 | 40.8 | 54.8 | 85 | 21 | 464 | 2.68 | 1.07| 3.95| 6 | .0

 | | | | | | | | | | |

November----| 57.4 | 31.3 | 44.4 | 79 | 13 | 176 | 2.86 | 1.72| 3.77| 7 | .8

 | | | | | | | | | | |

December----| 47.3 | 24.5 | 35.9 | 74 | 1 | 84 | 2.80 | 1.40| 3.82| 7 | 3.3

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

Yearly: | | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Average---| 66.1 | 40.5 | 53.3 | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---| ---| --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Extreme---| --- | --- | --- | 96 | -8 | --- | --- | ---| ---| --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Total-----| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | 5,773 | 40.54 | 35.37| 44.98| 93 | 18.9

 | | | | | | | | | | | _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 * A growing degree day is a unit of heat available for plant growth. It can be calculated by adding the

maximum and minimum daily temperatures, dividing the sum by 2, and subtracting the temperature below which

growth is minimal for the principal crops in the area (40 degrees F).
McDowell County, West Virginia 85

 Table 2.—Freeze Dates in Spring and Fall

 (Recorded in the period 1951-86 at Gary, West Virginia)

 _____________________________________________________________

 |

 | Temperature

 |__________________________________________

 Probability | | |

 | 24 oF | 28 oF | 32 oF

 | or lower | or lower | or lower _____________________________________________________________

 | | |

 | | |

 Last freezing | | |

 temperature | | |

 in spring: | | |

 | | |

 1 year in 10 | | |

 later than-- | Apr. 21 | May 5 | May 19

 | | |

 2 years in 10 | | |

 later than-- | Apr. 16 | Apr. 29 | May 13

 | | |

 5 years in 10 | | |

 later than-- | Apr. 6 | Apr. 18 | May 1

 | | |

 First freezing | | |

 temperature | | |

 in fall: | | |

 | | |

 1 year in 10 | | |

 earlier than-- | Oct. 20 | Oct. 15 | Sept. 30

 | | |

 2 years in 10 | | |

 earlier than-- | Oct. 25 | Oct. 19 | Oct. 5

 | | |

 5 years in 10 | | |

 earlier than-- | Nov. 1 | Oct. 26 | Oct. 15

 | | | _____________________________________________________________

 Table 3.—Growing Season

(Recorded in the period 1951-86 at Gary, West

 Virginia)

__________________________________________________

 |

 | Daily minimum temperature

 | during growing season

 |___________________________________

 Probability | | |

 | Higher | Higher | Higher

 | than | than | than

 | 24 oF | 28 oF | 32 oF

 | | | __________________________________________________

 | Days | Days | Days ____ ____ ____

 | | |

9 years in 10 | 190 | 169 | 142

 | | |

8 years in 10 | 197 | 176 | 150

 | | |

5 years in 10 | 209 | 190 | 166

 | | |

2 years in 10 | 221 | 204 | 182

 | | |

1 year in 10 | 228 | 212 | 191

 | | | __________________________________________________
86 Soil Survey

 Table 4.—Acreage and Proportionate Extent of the Soils

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

 Map | Soil name | Acres |Percent

 symbol| | | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | |

 | | |

 BrF |Berks-Rock outcrop complex, extremely steep, extremely stony-----------------------| 13,820 | 4.0

 CeB |Cedarcreek very channery loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony------------------| 760 | 0.2

 CrF |Cedarcreek-Rock outcrop complex, very steep, extremely stony-----------------------| 2,720 | 0.8

 Cv |Chavies loam-----------------------------------------------------------------------| 385 | 0.1

 GlE |Gilpin and Lily soils, 15 to 35 percent slopes-------------------------------------| 13,865 | 4.0

 ItF |Itmann extremely channery sandy loam, very steep-----------------------------------| 2,060 | 0.6

 KaB |Kaymine very channery loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony---------------------| 590 | 0.2

 KcF |Kaymine-Cedarcreek-Dekalb complex, very steep, extremely stony---------------------| 15,960 | 4.7

 KrF |Kaymine-Rock outcrop complex, very steep, extremely stony--------------------------| 3,645 | 1.1

 LlC |Lily loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes--------------------------------------------------| 930 | 0.3

 PBF |Pineville-Berks association, very steep, extremely stony---------------------------| 275,215 | 80.4

 PlE |Pineville-Lily complex, 15 to 35 percent slopes, very stony------------------------| 3,370 | 1.0

 SeB |Sewell extremely channery sandy loam, 3 to 15 percent slopes, very stony-----------| 260 | 0.1

 SrF |Sewell-Rock outcrop complex, very steep, extremely stony---------------------------| 330 | 0.1

 Ud |Udorthents, smoothed---------------------------------------------------------------| 645 | 0.2

 Ur |Urban land-Chavies complex---------------------------------------------------------| 5,360 | 1.5

 Ye |Yeager fine sandy loam-------------------------------------------------------------| 2,130 | 0.6

 | Areas of water----------------------------------------------------------------| 355 | 0.1

 | |-----------|-------

 | Total--------------------------------------------------------------------| 342,400 | 100.0

 | | | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
McDowell County, West Virginia 87

 Table 5.—Land Capability and Yields per Acre of Crops and Pasture

 (Yields are those that can be expected under a high level of management. Absence of a yield indicates that the

 soil is not suited to the crop or the crop generally is not grown on the soil)

 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | |

 Soil name and | Land | | | |

 map symbol | capability | Corn | Wheat |Grass-legume hay | Kentucky

 | | | | | bluegrass _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | Bu | Bu | Tons | AUM* __ __ ____ ____

 | | | | |

 BrF-----------------------| VIIs | --- | --- | --- | ---

 Berks-Rock outcrop | | | | |

 | | | | |

 CeB-----------------------| VIs | --- | --- | --- | 3.0

 Cedarcreek | | | | |

 | | | | |

 CrF-----------------------| VIIs | --- | --- | --- | ---

 Cedarcreek-Rock outcrop | | | | |

 | | | | |

 Cv------------------------| I | 120 | 45 | 3.5 | 5.5

 Chavies | | | | |

 | | | | |

 GlE-----------------------| VIe | --- | --- | 2.5 | 4.0

 Gilpin and Lily | | | | |

 | | | | |

 ItF-----------------------| VIIs | --- | --- | --- | ---

 Itmann | | | | |

 | | | | |

 KaB-----------------------| VIs | --- | --- | --- | 3.0

 Kaymine | | | | |

 | | | | |

 KcF-----------------------| VIIs | --- | --- | --- | ---

 Kaymine-Cedarcreek-Dekalb| | | | |

 | | | | |

 KrF-----------------------| VIIs | --- | --- | --- | ---

 Kaymine-Rock outcrop | | | | |

 | | | | |

 LlC-----------------------| IIIe | 85 | 30 | 3.0 | 4.5

 Lily | | | | |

 | | | | |

 PBF-----------------------| VIIs | --- | --- | --- | ---

 Pineville-Berks | | | | |

 | | | | |

 PlE-----------------------| VIIs | --- | --- | --- | ---

 Pineville-Lily | | | | |

 | | | | |

 SeB-----------------------| VIs | --- | --- | --- | 2.5

 Sewell | | | | |

 | | | | |

 SrF-----------------------| VIIs | --- | --- | --- | ---

 Sewell-Rock outcrop | | | | |

 | | | | |

 Ud. | | | | |

 Udorthents | | | | |

 | | | | |

 Ur. | | | | |

 Urban land-Chavies | | | | |

 | | | | |

 Ye------------------------| IIw | 90 | 30 | 3.5 | 5.0

 Yeager | | | | |

 | | | | | _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 * Animal unit month: The amount of forage or feed required to feed one animal unit (one cow, one horse, one

 mule, five sheep, or five goats) for 30 days.
88 Soil Survey

 Table 6.—Capability Classes and Subclasses

 (Miscellaneous areas are excluded. Absence of an

 entry indicates no acreage)

 ______________________________________________________

 | |Major management concerns (Subclass) ____________________________________

 Class | Total | | | Soil

 | acreage | Erosion | Wetness | problem

 | | (e) | (w) | (s) ______________________________________________________

 | | Acres | Acres | Acres _____ _____ _____

 | | | |

 | | | |

 I | 385| --- | --- | ---

 | | | |

 II | 2,130| --- | 2,130 | ---

 | | | |

 III | 930| 930 | --- | ---

 | | | |

 IV | ---| --- | --- | ---

 | | | |

 V | ---| --- | --- | ---

 | | | |

 VI | 15,475| 13,865 | --- | 1,610

 | | | |

 VII | 315,060| --- | --- | 315,060

 | | | |

 VIII | 2,060| --- | --- | 2,060

 | | | | ______________________________________________________
McDowell County, West Virginia 89

 Table 7.—Woodland Management and Productivity

 (Only the soils suitable for production of commercial trees are listed. Absence of an entry indicates that

 information was not available. For map units having slopes of more than 15 percent, site index is given

 for north aspects. Site index on south aspects generally is 5 to 10 points lower)

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | Management concerns | Potential productivity ______________________________________________________________________________________

 Soil name and |Ordi- | | Equip- | | | | |Average annual growth* _______________________

 map symbol |nation|Erosion | ment |Seedling| Plant | Common trees |Site |Cubic | Board | Cords/

 |symbol|hazard | limita-|mortal- |competi-| |index|feet/ | feet/ | acre

 | | | tion | ity | tion | | |acre | acre | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 BrF**: | | | | | | | | | |

 Berks----------| 4R |Severe |Severe |Moderate|Moderate|Northern red oak----| 75 | 57 | 215 | 0.74

 | | | | | |Black oak-----------| 71 | 53 | 187 | 0.68

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 103 | 112 | 622 | 1.29

 | | | | | |White oak-----------| 71 | 53 | 187 | 0.68

 | | | | | |Red maple-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Chestnut oak--------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 CeB-------------| 4F |Slight |Slight |Moderate|Moderate|Northern red oak----| 80 | 62 | 250 | 0.81

 Cedarcreek | | | | | |Eastern white pine--| 94 | 174 | 780 | ---

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 105 | 115 | 650 | 1.32

 | | | | | |American sycamore---| 90 | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Black locust--------| 100 | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Red maple-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Sourwood------------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Virginia pine-------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 CrF**: | | | | | | | | | |

 Cedarcreek-----| 4R |Severe |Severe |Severe |Moderate|Northern red oak----| 80 | 62 | 250 | 0.81

 | | | | | |Eastern white pine--| 94 | 174 | 780 | ---

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 105 | 115 | 650 | 1.32

 | | | | | |American sycamore---| 90 | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Black locust--------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Red maple-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Sourwood------------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Virginia pine-------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Cv--------------| 5A |Slight |Slight |Slight |Severe |Northern red oak----| 86 | 68 | 292 | 0.89

 Chavies | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 96 | 100 | 524 | 1.15

 | | | | | |Black cherry--------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |White oak-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |American sycamore---| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 GlE**: | | | | | | | | | |

 Gilpin---------| 5R |Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|Northern red oak----| 84 | 66 | 278 | 0.87

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 95 | 98 | 510 | 1.14

 | | | | | |Black oak-----------| 82 | 64 | 264 | 0.84

 | | | | | |White oak-----------| 75 | 63 | 257 | 0.82

 | | | | | |Scarlet oak---------| 81 | 57 | 215 | 0.74

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Lily-----------| 5R |Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|Northern red oak----| 84 | 66 | 278 | 0.87

 | | | | | |Black oak-----------| 85 | 67 | 285 | 0.88

 | | | | | |White oak-----------| 80 | 62 | 250 | 0.81

 | | | | | |Chestnut oak--------| 76 | 58 | 222 | 0.75

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 95 | 98 | 510 | 1.14

 | | | | | |Scarlet oak---------| 90 | 72 | 320 | 0.95

 | | | | | | | | | |

 See footnotes at end of table.
90 Soil Survey

 Table 7.—Woodland Management and Productivity--Continued

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | Management concerns | Potential productivity ______________________________________________________________________________________

 Soil name and |Ordi- | | Equip- | | | | |Average annual growth* _______________________

 map symbol |nation|Erosion | ment |Seedling| Plant | Common trees |Site |Cubic | Board | Cords/

 |symbol|hazard | limita-|mortal- |competi-| |index|feet/ | feet/ | acre

 | | | tion | ity | tion | | |acre | acre | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 ItF-------------| --- |Severe |Severe |Severe |Moderate|Red maple-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 Itmann | | | | | |Sweet birch---------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Black locust--------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Virginia pine-------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Shortleaf pine------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 KaB-------------| 4F |Slight |Slight |Moderate|Moderate|Northern red oak----| 80 | 62 | 250 | 0.81

 Kaymine | | | | | |Eastern white pine--| 94 | 174 | 780 | ---

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 105 | 115 | 650 | 1.32

 | | | | | |American sycamore---| 90 | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Black locust--------| 100 | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Red maple-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 KcF**: | | | | | | | | | |

 Kaymine--------| 4R |Severe |Severe |Severe |Moderate|Northern red oak----| 80 | 62 | 250 | 0.81

 | | | | | |Eastern white pine--| 94 | 174 | 780 | ---

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 105 | 115 | 650 | 1.32

 | | | | | |American sycamore---| 90 | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Black locust--------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Red maple-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Cedarcreek-----| 4R |Severe |Severe |Severe |Moderate|Northern red oak----| 80 | 62 | 250 | 0.81

 | | | | | |Eastern white pine--| 94 | 174 | 780 | ---

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 105 | 115 | 650 | 1.32

 | | | | | |American sycamore---| 90 | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Black locust--------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Red maple-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Sourwood------------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Virginia pine-------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Dekalb---------| 4R |Severe |Severe |Moderate|Moderate|Northern red oak----| 73 | 55 | 201 | 0.71

 | | | | | |Black oak-----------| 71 | 53 | 187 | 0.68

 | | | | | |Scarlet oak---------| 74 | 56 | 208 | 0.73

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Chestnut oak--------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Red maple-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 KrF**: | | | | | | | | | |

 Kaymine--------| 4R |Severe |Severe |Severe |Moderate|Northern red oak----| 80 | 62 | 250 | 0.81

 | | | | | |Eastern white pine--| 94 | 174 | 780 | ---

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 105 | 115 | 650 | 1.32

 | | | | | |American sycamore---| 90 | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Black locust--------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Red maple-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 LlC-------------| 5A |Slight |Slight |Slight |Severe |Northern red oak----| 84 | 66 | 278 | 0.87

 Lily | | | | | |Virginia pine-------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Black oak-----------| 85 | 67 | 285 | 0.88

 | | | | | |White oak-----------| 80 | 62 | 250 | 0.81

 | | | | | |Chestnut oak--------| 76 | 58 | 222 | 0.75

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 95 | 98 | 510 | 1.14

 | | | | | |Scarlet oak---------| 90 | 72 | 320 | 0.95

 | | | | | | | | | |

 See footnotes at end of table.
McDowell County, West Virginia 91

 Table 7.—Woodland Management and Productivity--Continued

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | Management concerns | Potential productivity ______________________________________________________________________________________

 Soil name and |Ordi- | | Equip- | | | | |Average annual growth* _______________________

 map symbol |nation|Erosion | ment |Seedling| Plant | Common trees |Site |Cubic | Board | Cords/

 |symbol|hazard | limita-|mortal- |competi-| |index|feet/ | feet/ | acre

 | | | tion | ity | tion | | |acre | acre | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 PBF**: | | | | | | | | | |

 Pineville------| 5R |Severe |Severe |Moderate|Severe |Northern red oak----| 90 | 72 | 320 | 0.95

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 108 | 121 | 692 | 1.38

 | | | | | |Black oak-----------| 85 | 67 | 285 | 0.88

 | | | | | |Basswood------------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Hickory-------------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |White oak-----------| 80 | 62 | 250 | 0.81

 | | | | | |White ash-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Berks----------| 4R |Severe |Severe |Moderate|Moderate|Northern red oak----| 75 | 57 | 215 | 0.74

 | | | | | |Black oak-----------| 71 | 53 | 187 | 0.68

 | | | | | |White oak-----------| 71 | 53 | 187 | 0.68

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 103 | 112 | 622 | 1.29

 | | | | | |Scarlet oak---------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Chestnut oak--------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 PlE**: | | | | | | | | | |

 Pineville------| 5R |Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|Severe |Northern red oak----| 90 | 72 | 320 | 0.95

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 108 | 121 | 692 | 1.38

 | | | | | |Black oak-----------| 85 | 67 | 285 | 0.88

 | | | | | |Hickory-------------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |White oak-----------| 85 | 67 | 285 | 0.88

 | | | | | |White ash-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Lily-----------| 5R |Moderate|Moderate|Moderate|Severe |Northern red oak----| 84 | 66 | 278 | 0.87

 | | | | | |Scarlet oak---------| 90 | 72 | 320 | 0.95

 | | | | | |Black oak-----------| 85 | 67 | 285 | 0.88

 | | | | | |White oak-----------| 80 | 62 | 250 | 0.81

 | | | | | |Hickory-------------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Red maple-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Chestnut oak--------| 76 | 58 | 222 | 0.75

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 95 | 98 | 510 | 1.14

 | | | | | | | | | |

 SeB-------------| 4F |Slight |Slight |Severe |Moderate|Northern red oak----| 75 | 57 | 215 | 0.74

 Sewell | | | | | |Eastern white pine--| 94 | 174 | 780 | ---

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 95 | 98 | 510 | 1.14

 | | | | | |American sycamore---| 90 | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Black locust--------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Red maple-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Sourwood------------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Virginia pine-------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 SrF**: | | | | | | | | | |

 Sewell---------| 4R |Severe |Severe |Severe |Moderate|Northern red oak----| 75 | 57 | 215 | 0.74

 | | | | | |Eastern white pine--| 94 | 174 | 780 | ---

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 95 | 98 | 510 | 1.14

 | | | | | |American sycamore---| 90 | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Black locust--------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Red maple-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Sourwood------------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Sassafras-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Virginia pine-------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 See footnotes at end of table.
92 Soil Survey

 Table 7.—Woodland Management and Productivity--Continued

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | Management concerns | Potential productivity ______________________________________________________________________________________

 Soil name and |Ordi- | | Equip- | | | | |Average annual growth* _______________________

 map symbol |nation|Erosion | ment |Seedling| Plant | Common trees |Site |Cubic | Board | Cords/

 |symbol|hazard | limita-|mortal- |competi-| |index|feet/ | feet/ | acre

 | | | tion | ity | tion | | |acre | acre | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Ur**: | | | | | | | | | |

 Urban land. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Chavies--------| 5A |Slight |Slight |Slight |Severe |Northern red oak----| 86 | 68 | 292 | 0.89

 | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 96 | 100 | 524 | 1.15

 | | | | | |Black cherry--------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |White oak-----------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |American sycamore---| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Ye--------------| 5A |Slight |Slight |Moderate|Severe |Northern red oak----| 85 | 67 | 285 | 0.88

 Yeager | | | | | |Yellow-poplar-------| 90 | 90 | 440 | 1.04

 | | | | | |Boxelder------------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |American beech------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |Black cherry--------| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | |American sycamore---| --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 * Average annual growth is equal to total volume growth at rotation divided by rotation age. Actual annual

 growth varies with stand vigor and other factors. Yield data are based on site indices of natural stands at

 age 50 using the International 1/4 Log Rule and standard rough cords. This information should be used for

 planning only.

 ** See description of the map unit for composition and behavior characteristics of the map unit.
McDowell County, West Virginia 93

 Table 8.—Recreational Development

 (Some terms that describe restrictive soil features are defined in the Glossary. See text for definitions

 of "slight," "moderate," and "severe." Absence of an entry indicates that the soil was not rated)

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | |

 Soil name and | Camp areas | Picnic areas | Playgrounds |Paths and trails| Golf fairways

 map symbol | | | | |

 | | | | | ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | |

 | | | | |

 BrF*: | | | | |

 Berks----------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe:

 | slope, | slope, | large stones, | slope. | small stones,

 | small stones. | small stones. | slope, | | slope.

 | | | small stones. | |

 | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | |

 | | | | |

 CeB-------------------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable.

 Cedarcreek | | | | |

 | | | | |

 CrF*: | | | | |

 Cedarcreek-----------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable.

 | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | |

 | | | | |

 Cv--------------------|Severe: |Slight----------|Moderate: |Slight----------|Slight.

 Chavies | flooding. | | small stones. | |

 | | | | |

 GlE*: | | | | |

 Gilpin---------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate**: |Severe:

 | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope.

 | | | | |

 Lily-----------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate**: |Severe:

 | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope.

 | | | | |

 ItF-------------------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable.

 Itmann | | | | |

 | | | | |

 KaB-------------------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable.

 Kaymine | | | | |

 | | | | |

 KcF*: | | | | |

 Kaymine--------------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable.

 | | | | |

 Cedarcreek-----------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable.

 | | | | |

 Dekalb---------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe:

 | slope, | slope, | large stones, | slope. | small stones,

 | small stones. | small stones. | slope, | | slope.

 | | | small stones. | |

 | | | | |

 KrF*: | | | | |

 Kaymine--------------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable.

 | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | |

 | | | | |

 LlC-------------------|Moderate: |Moderate: |Severe: |Slight----------|Moderate:

 Lily | slope. | slope. | slope. | | slope,

 | | | | | depth to rock.

 | | | | |

 See footnotes at end of table.
94 Soil Survey

 Table 8.—Recreational Development--Continued

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | |

 Soil name and | Camp areas | Picnic areas | Playgrounds |Paths and trails| Golf fairways

 map symbol | | | | |

 | | | | | ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | |

 | | | | |

 PBF*: | | | | |

 Pineville------------|Slope, |Slope, |Severe: |Severe: |Severe:

 | large stones. | large stones. | large stones, | slope. | slope.

 | | | slope. | |

 | | | | |

 Berks----------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe:

 | slope, | slope, | large stones, | slope. | small stones,

 | small stones. | small stones. | slope, | | slope.

 | | | small stones. | |

 | | | | |

 PlE*: | | | | |

 Pineville------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe:

 | slope. | slope. | large stones, | slope. | slope.

 | | | slope. | |

 | | | | |

 Lily-----------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe:

 | slope. | slope. | large stones, | slope. | slope.

 | | | slope. | |

 | | | | |

 SeB-------------------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable.

 Sewell | | | | |

 | | | | |

 SrF*: | | | | |

 Sewell---------------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable.

 | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | |

 | | | | |

 Ud. | | | | |

 Udorthents | | | | |

 | | | | |

 Ur*: | | | | |

 Urban land-----------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable--------|Variable.

 | | | | |

 Chavies--------------|Severe: |Slight----------|Moderate: |Slight----------|Slight.

 | flooding. | | small stones. | |

 | | | | |

 Ye--------------------|Severe: |Slight----------|Moderate: |Slight----------|Moderate:

 Yeager | flooding. | | flooding. | | droughty,

 | | | | | flooding.

 | | | | | ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 * See description of the map unit for composition and behavior characteristics of the map unit.

 ** Rating is for areas where slopes are less than 35 percent.
McDowell County, West Virginia 95

 Table 9.—Wildlife Habitat

 (See text for definitions of "good," "fair," "poor," and "very poor." Absence of an entry indicates that the

 soil was not rated)

 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | Potential for habitat elements |Potential as habitat for-- _________________________________________________________________________________________

 Soil name and | | | Wild | | | | | | |

 map symbol | Grain |Grasses | herba- |Hardwood| Conif- |Wetland |Shallow |Openland|Woodland|Wetland

 |and seed| and | ceous | trees | erous | plants | water |wildlife|wildlife|wildlife

 | crops |legumes | plants | | plants | | areas | | | _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 BrF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Berks-------------|Very |Poor |Fair |Poor |Poor |Very |Very |Poor |Fair |Very

 | poor. | | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 CeB----------------|Very |Very |Good |Good |Good |Very |Very |Poor |Fair |Very

 Cedarcreek | poor. | poor. | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 CrF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Cedarcreek--------|Very |Very |Good |Good |Good |Very |Very |Poor |Fair |Very

 | poor. | poor. | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Cv-----------------|Good |Good |Good |Good |Good |Poor |Very |Good |Good |Poor.

 Chavies | | | | | | | poor. | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 GlE*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Gilpin------------|Very |Fair |Good |Fair |Fair |Very |Very |Fair |Fair |Very

 | poor. | | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Lily--------------|Very |Fair |Good |Good |Good |Very |Very |Fair |Good |Very

 | poor. | | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 ItF----------------|Very |Very |Very |Very |Very |Very |Very |Very |Very |Very

 Itmann | poor. | poor. | poor. | poor. | poor. | poor. | poor. | poor. | poor. | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 KaB----------------|Very |Very |Good |Good |Good |Very |Very |Poor |Fair |Very

 Kaymine | poor. | poor. | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 KcF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Kaymine-----------|Very |Very |Good |Good |Good |Very |Very |Poor |Fair |Very

 | poor. | poor. | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Cedarcreek--------|Very |Very |Good |Good |Good |Very |Very |Poor |Fair |Very

 | poor. | poor. | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Dekalb------------|Very |Poor |Good |Fair |Fair |Very |Very |Poor |Fair |Very

 | poor. | | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 KrF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Kaymine-----------|Very |Very |Good |Good |Good |Very |Very |Poor |Fair |Very

 | poor. | poor. | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 LlC----------------|Fair |Good |Good |Good |Good |Very |Very |Good |Fair |Very

 Lily | | | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 PBF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Pineville---------|Very |Very |Good |Good |Good |Very |Very |Poor |Good |Very

 | poor. | poor. | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 See footnote at end of table.
96 Soil Survey

 Table 9.—Wildlife Habitat--Continued

 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | Potential for habitat elements |Potential as habitat for-- _________________________________________________________________________________________

 Soil name and | | | Wild | | | | | | |

 map symbol | Grain |Grasses | herba- |Hardwood| Conif- |Wetland |Shallow |Openland|Woodland|Wetland

 |and seed| and | ceous | trees | erous | plants | water |wildlife|wildlife|wildlife

 | crops |legumes | plants | | plants | | areas | | | _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 PBF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Berks-------------|Very |Poor |Fair |Poor |Poor |Very |Very |Poor |Fair |Very

 | poor. | | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 PlE*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Pineville---------|Very |Poor |Good |Good |Good |Very |Very |Poor |Good |Very

 | poor. | | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Lily--------------|Very |Poor |Good |Good |Good |Very |Very |Poor |Good |Very

 | poor. | | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 SeB----------------|Very |Very |Good |Fair |Fair |Very |Very |Poor |Fair |Very

 Sewell | poor. | poor. | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 SrF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Sewell------------|Very |Very |Good |Fair |Fair |Very |Very |Poor |Fair |Very

 | poor. | poor. | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Ud. | | | | | | | | | |

 Udorthents | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Ur*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Urban land. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Chavies-----------|Good |Good |Good |Good |Good |Poor |Very |Good |Good |Poor.

 | | | | | | | poor. | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Ye-----------------|Poor |Fair |Fair |Fair |Fair |Very |Very |Fair |Fair |Very

 Yeager | | | | | | poor. | poor. | | | poor.

 | | | | | | | | | | _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 * See description of the map unit for composition and behavior characteristics of the map unit.
McDowell County, West Virginia 97

 Table 10.—Building Site Development

 (Some terms that describe restrictive soil features are defined in the Glossary. See text for definitions of

 "slight," "moderate," and "severe." Absence of an entry indicates that the soil was not rated. The

 information in this table indicates the dominant soil condition but does not eliminate the need for onsite

 investigation)

 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | | |

 Soil name and | Shallow | Dwellings | Dwellings | Small | Local roads | Lawns and

 map symbol | excavations | without | with | commercial | and streets | landscaping

 | | basements | basements | buildings | | __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | | |

 | | | | | |

 BrF*: | | | | | |

 Berks------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe:

 | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. | small stones,

 | | | | | | slope.

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | |

 | | | | | |

 CeB---------------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable.

 Cedarcreek | | | | | |

 | | | | | |

 CrF*: | | | | | |

 Cedarcreek-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable.

 | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | |

 | | | | | |

 Cv----------------|Slight---------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Slight.

 Chavies | | flooding. | flooding. | flooding. | flooding. |

 | | | | | |

 GlE*: | | | | | |

 Gilpin-----------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe:

 | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope.

 | | | | | |

 Lily-------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe:

 | depth to rock,| slope. | depth to rock,| slope. | slope. | slope.

 | slope. | | slope. | | |

 | | | | | |

 ItF---------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Variable.

 Itmann | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. |

 | | | | | |

 KaB---------------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable.

 Kaymine | | | | | |

 | | | | | |

 KcF*: | | | | | |

 Kaymine----------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable.

 | | | | | |

 Cedarcreek-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable.

 | | | | | |

 Dekalb-----------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe:

 | depth to rock,| slope. | depth to rock,| slope. | slope. | small stones,

 | cutbanks cave,| | slope. | | | slope.

 | slope. | | | | |

 | | | | | |

 KrF*: | | | | | |

 Kaymine----------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable.

 | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | |

 | | | | | |

 LlC---------------|Severe: |Moderate: |Severe: |Moderate: |Moderate: |Moderate:

 Lily | depth to rock.| slope, | depth to rock.| depth to rock,| depth to rock,| slope,

 | | depth to rock.| | slope. | slope. | depth to rock.

 | | | | | |

 PBF*: | | | | | |

 Pineville--------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe:

 | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope.

 | | | | | |

 See footnote at end of table.
98 Soil Survey

 Table 10.—Building Site Development--Continued

 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | | |

 Soil name and | Shallow | Dwellings | Dwellings | Small | Local roads | Lawns and

 map symbol | excavations | without | with | commercial | and streets | landscaping

 | | basements | basements | buildings | | __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | | |

 | | | | | |

 PBF*: | | | | | |

 Berks------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe:

 | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. | small stones,

 | | | | | | slope.

 | | | | | |

 PlE*: | | | | | |

 Pineville--------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe:

 | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope.

 | | | | | |

 Lily-------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe:

 | depth to rock,| slope. | depth to rock,| slope. | slope. | slope.

 | slope. | | slope. | | |

 | | | | | |

 SeB---------------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable.

 Sewell | | | | | |

 | | | | | |

 SrF*: | | | | | |

 Sewell-----------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable.

 | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | |

 | | | | | |

 Ud. | | | | | |

 Udorthents | | | | | |

 | | | | | |

 Ur*: | | | | | |

 Urban land-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable-------|Variable.

 | | | | | |

 Chavies----------|Slight---------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate: |Slight.

 | | flooding. | flooding. | flooding. | flooding. |

 | | | | | |

 Ye----------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Moderate:

 Yeager | cutbanks cave.| flooding. | flooding. | flooding. | flooding. | droughty,

 | | | | | | flooding.

 | | | | | | __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 * See description of the map unit for composition and behavior characteristics of the map unit.
McDowell County, West Virginia 99

 Table 11.—Sanitary Facilities

 (Some terms that describe restrictive soil features are defined in the Glossary. See text for definitions of

 "moderate," "good," and other terms. Absence of an entry indicates that the soil was not rated. The

 information in this table indicates the dominant soil condition but does not eliminate the need for

 onsite investigation)

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | |

 Soil name and | Septic tank | Sewage lagoon | Trench | Area | Daily cover

 map symbol | absorption | areas | sanitary | sanitary | for landfill

 | fields | | landfill | landfill | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | |

 | | | | |

 BrF*: | | | | |

 Berks--------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor:

 | depth to rock, | seepage, | depth to rock, | depth to rock, | depth to rock,

 | slope. | depth to rock, | seepage, | seepage, | small stones,

 | | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope.

 | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | |

 | | | | |

 CeB-----------------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable.

 Cedarcreek | | | | |

 | | | | |

 CrF*: | | | | |

 Cedarcreek---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable.

 | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | |

 | | | | |

 Cv------------------|Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Good.

 Chavies | flooding. | seepage. | seepage. | seepage. |

 | | | | |

 GlE*: | | | | |

 Gilpin-------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor:

 | depth to rock, | depth to rock, | depth to rock, | slope, | slope,

 | slope. | slope. | slope. | depth to rock. | area reclaim,

 | | | | | thin layer.

 | | | | |

 Lily---------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor:

 | depth to rock, | seepage, | depth to rock, | depth to rock, | depth to rock,

 | slope. | depth to rock, | seepage, | seepage, | slope.

 | | slope. | slope. | slope. |

 | | | | |

 ItF-----------------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable.

 Itmann | | | | |

 | | | | |

 KaB-----------------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable.

 Kaymine | | | | |

 | | | | |

 KcF*: | | | | |

 Kaymine------------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable.

 | | | | |

 Cedarcreek---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable.

 | | | | |

 Dekalb-------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor:

 | depth to rock, | seepage, | depth to rock, | depth to rock, | depth to rock,

 | poor filter, | depth to rock, | seepage, | seepage, | small stones,

 | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope.

 | | | | |

 KrF*: | | | | |

 Kaymine------------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable.

 | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | |

 | | | | |

 See footnote at end of table.
100 Soil Survey

 Table 11.—Sanitary Facilities--Continued

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | |

 Soil name and | Septic tank | Sewage lagoon | Trench | Area | Daily cover

 map symbol | absorption | areas | sanitary | sanitary | for landfill

 | fields | | landfill | landfill | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | |

 | | | | |

 LlC-----------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor:

 Lily | depth to rock. | seepage, | depth to rock, | depth to rock, | depth to rock.

 | | depth to rock, | seepage. | seepage. |

 | | slope. | | |

 | | | | |

 PBF*: | | | | |

 Pineville----------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor:

 | slope. | seepage, | seepage, | seepage, | slope.

 | | slope. | slope. | slope. |

 | | | | |

 Berks--------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor:

 | depth to rock, | seepage, | depth to rock, | depth to rock, | depth to rock,

 | slope. | depth to rock, | seepage, | seepage, | small stones,

 | | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope.

 | | | | |

 PlE*: | | | | |

 Pineville----------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor:

 | slope. | seepage, | seepage, | seepage, | slope.

 | | slope. | slope. | slope. |

 | | | | |

 Lily---------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor:

 | depth to rock, | seepage, | depth to rock, | depth to rock, | depth to rock,

 | slope. | depth to rock, | seepage, | seepage, | small stones,

 | | slope. | slope. | slope. | slope.

 | | | | |

 SeB-----------------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable.

 Sewell | | | | |

 | | | | |

 SrF*: | | | | |

 Sewell-------------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable.

 | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | |

 | | | | |

 Ud. | | | | |

 Udorthents | | | | |

 | | | | |

 Ur*: | | | | |

 Urban land---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable.

 | | | | |

 Chavies------------|Moderate: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Good.

 | flooding. | seepage. | seepage. | seepage. |

 | | | | |

 Ye------------------|Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Severe: |Poor:

 Yeager | flooding, | seepage, | flooding, | flooding, | too sandy.

 | poor filter. | flooding. | seepage, | seepage. |

 | | | wetness. | |

 | | | | | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 * See description of the map unit for composition and behavior characteristics of the map unit.
McDowell County, West Virginia 101

 Table 12.—Construction Materials

 (Some terms that describe restrictive soil features are defined in the Glossary. See text for definitions of

 "good," "fair," and other terms. Absence of an entry indicates that the soil was not rated. The

 information in this table indicates the dominant soil condition but does not eliminate the need for

 onsite investigation)

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | |

 Soil name and | Roadfill | Sand | Gravel | Topsoil

 map symbol | | | |

 | | | | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | |

 | | | |

 BrF*: | | | |

 Berks----------------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 | depth to rock, | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | slope. | | | slope.

 | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | |

 | | | |

 CeB-------------------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 Cedarcreek | large stones. | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | | | | area reclaim.

 | | | |

 CrF*: | | | |

 Cedarcreek-----------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 | slope. | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | | | | area reclaim,

 | | | | slope.

 | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | |

 | | | |

 Cv--------------------|Good-----------------|Improbable: |Improbable: |Fair:

 Chavies | | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | | | | area reclaim.

 | | | |

 GlE*: | | | |

 Gilpin---------------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 | thin layer, | excess fines. | excess fines. | slope,

 | slope. | | | small stones.

 | | | |

 Lily-----------------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 | depth to rock, | excess fines. | excess fines. | slope.

 | slope. | | |

 | | | |

 ItF-------------------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 Itmann | slope. | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | | | | area reclaim,

 | | | | slope.

 | | | |

 KaB-------------------|Fair: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 Kaymine | large stones. | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | | | | area reclaim.

 | | | |

 KcF*: | | | |

 Kaymine--------------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 | slope. | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | | | | area reclaim,

 | | | | slope.

 | | | |

 Cedarcreek-----------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 | slope. | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | | | | area reclaim,

 | | | | slope.

 | | | |

 See footnote at end of table.
102 Soil Survey

 Table 12.—Construction Materials--Continued

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | |

 Soil name and | Roadfill | Sand | Gravel | Topsoil

 map symbol | | | |

 | | | | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | |

 | | | |

 KcF*: | | | |

 Dekalb---------------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 | depth to rock, | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | slope. | | | slope.

 | | | |

 KrF*: | | | |

 Kaymine--------------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 | slope. | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | | | | area reclaim,

 | | | | slope.

 | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | |

 | | | |

 LlC-------------------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Fair:

 Lily | depth to rock. | excess fines. | excess fines. | area reclaim,

 | | | | small stones.

 | | | |

 PBF*: | | | |

 Pineville------------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Severe:

 | slope. | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | | | | slope.

 | | | |

 Berks----------------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 | depth to rock, | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | slope. | | | slope.

 | | | |

 PlE*: | | | |

 Pineville------------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Severe:

 | slope. | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | | | | slope.

 | | | |

 Lily-----------------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 | depth to rock, | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | slope. | | | slope.

 | | | |

 SeB-------------------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 Sewell | large stones. | excess fines, | excess fines, | large stones,

 | | large stones. | large stones. | area reclaim.

 | | | |

 SrF*: | | | |

 Sewell---------------|Poor: |Improbable: |Improbable: |Poor:

 | large stones, | excess fines, | excess fines, | large stones,

 | slope. | large stones. | large stones. | area reclaim,

 | | | | slope.

 | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | |

 | | | |

 Ud. | | | |

 Udorthents | | | |

 | | | |

 Ur*: | | | |

 Urban land-----------|Variable-------------|Variable-------------|Variable-------------|Variable.

 | | | |

 Chavies--------------|Good-----------------|Improbable: |Improbable: |Fair:

 | | excess fines. | excess fines. | small stones,

 | | | | area reclaim.

 | | | |

 Ye--------------------|Good-----------------|Probable-------------|Probable-------------|Fair:

 Yeager | | | | too sandy.

 | | | | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 * See description of the map unit for composition and behavior characteristics of the map unit.
McDowell County, West Virginia 103

 Table 13.—Water Management

 (Some terms that describe restrictive soil features are defined in the Glossary. See text for definitions of

 "moderate" and "severe." Absence of an entry indicates that the soil was not evaluated. The information

 in this table indicates the dominant soil condition but does not eliminate the need for onsite

 investigation)

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | Limitations for-- | Features affecting-- ___________________________________________________________________________________________

 Soil name and | Pond | Embankments, | | Terraces |

 map symbol | reservoir | dikes, and | Drainage | and | Grassed

 | areas | levees | | diversions | waterways ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | |

 | | | | |

 BrF*: | | | | |

 Berks------------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Large stones,

 | seepage, | thin layer. | | large stones, | slope,

 | slope. | | | depth to rock. | droughty.

 | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | |

 | | | | |

 CeB---------------|Severe: |Moderate: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Large stones,

 Cedarcreek | seepage. | large stones. | | large stones. | slope,

 | | | | | droughty.

 | | | | |

 CrF*: | | | | |

 Cedarcreek-------|Severe: |Moderate: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Large stones,

 | seepage, | large stones. | | large stones. | slope,

 | slope. | | | | droughty.

 | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | |

 | | | | |

 Cv----------------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Soil blowing-----|Favorable.

 Chavies | seepage. | piping. | | |

 | | | | |

 GlE*: | | | | |

 Gilpin-----------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Slope,

 | slope. | thin layer. | | depth to rock. | depth to rock.

 | | | | |

 Lily-------------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Slope,

 | seepage, | piping. | | depth to rock. | depth to rock.

 | slope. | | | |

 | | | | |

 ItF---------------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Slope------------|Slope,

 Itmann | seepage, | seepage. | | | droughty.

 | slope. | | | |

 | | | | |

 KaB---------------|Severe: |Moderate: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Large stones,

 Kaymine | seepage. | large stones. | | large stones. | slope,

 | | | | | droughty.

 | | | | |

 KcF*: | | | | |

 Kaymine----------|Severe: |Moderate: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Large stones,

 | seepage, | large stones. | | large stones. | slope,

 | slope. | | | | droughty.

 | | | | |

 Cedarcreek-------|Severe: |Moderate: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Large stones,

 | seepage, | large stones. | | large stones. | slope,

 | slope. | | | | droughty.

 | | | | |

 Dekalb-----------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Large stones,

 | seepage, | piping, | | large stones, | slope,

 | slope. | large stones. | | depth to rock. | droughty.

 | | | | |

 See footnote at end of table.
104 Soil Survey

 Table 13.—Water Management--Continued

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | Limitations for-- | Features affecting-- ___________________________________________________________________________________________

 Soil name and | Pond | Embankments, | | Terraces |

 map symbol | reservoir | dikes, and | Drainage | and | Grassed

 | areas | levees | | diversions | waterways ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | |

 | | | | |

 KrF*: | | | | |

 Kaymine----------|Severe: |Moderate: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Large stones,

 | seepage, | large stones. | | large stones. | slope,

 | slope. | | | | droughty.

 | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | |

 | | | | |

 LlC---------------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Slope,

 Lily | seepage. | piping. | | depth to rock. | depth to rock.

 | | | | |

 PBF*: | | | | |

 Pineville--------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Slope------------|Slope,

 | seepage, | piping. | | | too stony.

 | slope. | | | |

 | | | | |

 Berks------------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Too stony,

 | seepage, | thin layer. | | large stones, | slope,

 | slope. | | | depth to rock. | droughty.

 | | | | |

 PlE*: | | | | |

 Pineville--------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Slope------------|Slope,

 | seepage, | piping. | | | too stony.

 | slope. | | | |

 | | | | |

 Lily-------------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Too stony,

 | seepage, | piping. | | large stones, | slope,

 | slope. | | | depth to rock. | depth to rock.

 | | | | |

 SeB---------------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Large stones,

 Sewell | seepage, | seepage, | | large stones. | slope,

 | slope. | large stones. | | | droughty.

 | | | | |

 SrF*: | | | | |

 Sewell-----------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Slope, |Large stones,

 | seepage, | seepage, | | large stones. | slope,

 | slope. | large stones. | | | droughty.

 | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | |

 | | | | |

 Ud. | | | | |

 Udorthents | | | | |

 | | | | |

 Ur*: | | | | |

 Urban land-------|Variable----------|Variable----------|Variable---------|Variable---------|Variable.

 | | | | |

 Chavies----------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Soil blowing-----|Favorable.

 | seepage. | piping. | | |

 | | | | |

 Ye----------------|Severe: |Severe: |Deep to water----|Soil blowing-----|Droughty,

 Yeager | seepage. | seepage, | | | rooting depth.

 | | piping. | | |

 | | | | | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 * See description of the map unit for composition and behavior characteristics of the map unit.
McDowell County, West Virginia 105

 Table 14.—Engineering Index Properties

 (The symbol < means less than; > means more than. Absence of an entry indicates that data were not estimated)

 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | Classification |Frag- | Percentage passing | | ____________________

 Soil name and |Depth| USDA texture | | |ments | sieve number-- |Liquid | Plas- ___________________________

 map symbol | | | Unified | AASHTO | 3-10 | | | | | limit | ticity

 | | | | |inches| 4 | 10 | 40 | 200 | | index _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | In | | | | Pct | | | | | Pct | __ ___ ___

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 BrF*: | | | | | | | | | | |

 Berks-----------| 0-4 |Extremely stony |GM, SM, |A-2, A-4 |15-30 |40-80 |35-70 |30-60 |25-45 | 25-36 | 5-10

 | | loam. | GC, SC | | | | | | | |

 | 4-17|Very channery |GM, GC, |A-1, A-2,| 0-30 |40-80 |35-70 |25-60 |20-45 | 25-36 | 5-10

 | | loam, very | SM, SC | A-4 | | | | | | |

 | | channery silt | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, channery | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam. | | | | | | | | |

 |17-25|Extremely |GM, SM, |A-1, A-2 | 0-40 |35-65 |25-55 |20-40 |15-35 | 24-38 | 2-10

 | | channery silt | GC-GM, | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | SC-SM | | | | | | | |

 | | channery silt | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | 25 |Weathered bedrock| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 CeB--------------| 0-2 |Very stony loam |GC |A-2, A-4,|15-30 |45-60 |40-55 |30-50 |20-40 | 25-35 | 7-12

 Cedarcreek | | | | A-6 | | | | | | |

 | 2-65|Extremely |GC |A-2, A-4 | 5-30 |30-55 |25-50 |20-45 |15-40 | 25-35 | 7-12

 | | channery loam, | | | | | | | | |

 | | very channery | | | | | | | | |

 | | silt loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 CrF*: | | | | | | | | | | |

 Cedarcreek------| 0-2 |Very stony loam |GC |A-2, A-4,|15-30 |45-60 |40-55 |30-50 |20-40 | 25-35 | 7-12

 | | | | A-6 | | | | | | |

 | 2-65|Extremely |GC |A-2, A-4 | 5-30 |30-55 |25-50 |20-45 |15-40 | 25-35 | 7-12

 | | channery loam, | | | | | | | | |

 | | very channery | | | | | | | | |

 | | silt loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Cv---------------| 0-6 |Loam-------------|SM, ML, |A-4 | 0 |85-100|75-100|40-90 |40-75 | <25 | NP-5

 Chavies | | | CL-ML, | | | | | | | |

 | | | SC-SM | | | | | | | |

 | 6-42|Fine sandy loam, |SM, ML, |A-4 | 0 |85-100|75-100|65-100|45-85 | <35 | NP-8

 | | sandy loam, | SC-SM | | | | | | | |

 | | loam. | | | | | | | | |

 |42-65|Fine sandy loam, |SM, ML, |A-4, A-2,| 0-5 |70-100|60-95 |40-85 |20-75 | <25 | NP-5

 | | gravelly fine | CL-ML, | A-1-b | | | | | | |

 | | sandy loam, | SC-SM | | | | | | | |

 | | loamy fine sand.| | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 See footnote at end of table.
106 Soil Survey

 Table 14.—Engineering Index Properties--Continued

 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | Classification |Frag- | Percentage passing | | ____________________

 Soil name and |Depth| USDA texture | | |ments | sieve number-- |Liquid | Plas- ___________________________

 map symbol | | | Unified | AASHTO | 3-10 | | | | | limit | ticity

 | | | | |inches| 4 | 10 | 40 | 200 | | index _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | In | | | | Pct | | | | | Pct | __ ___ ___

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 GlE*: | | | | | | | | | | |

 Gilpin----------| 0-4 |Silt loam--------|ML, CL, |A-4, A-6 | 0-5 |80-95 |75-90 |70-85 |65-80 | 20-40 | 4-15

 | | | CL-ML | | | | | | | |

 | 4-32|Channery silt |GC, SC, |A-2, A-4,| 0-30 |50-95 |45-90 |35-85 |30-80 | 20-40 | 4-15

 | | loam, silt loam,| CL, CL-ML| A-6 | | | | | | |

 | | silty clay loam.| | | | | | | | |

 |32-38|Channery loam, |GC, GM-GC |A-1, A-2,| 0-35 |25-55 |20-50 |15-45 |15-40 | 20-40 | 4-15

 | | very channery | | A-4, A-6| | | | | | |

 | | silt loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery silty | | | | | | | | |

 | | clay loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | 38 |Unweathered | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | bedrock. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Lily------------| 0-5 |Loam-------------|ML, CL-ML |A-4 | 0-5 |90-100|85-100|70-95 |55-80 | <35 | NP-10

 | 5-19|Loam, channery |SM, SC, |A-4, A-6 | 0-10 |80-100|75-100|70-100|40-80 | <35 | 3-15

 | | loam, clay loam.| ML, CL | | | | | | | |

 |19-39|Channery loam, |SM, SC, |A-4, A-2,| 0-10 |65-100|50-100|40-95 |20-75 | <35 | 3-15

 | | loam, clay loam.| ML, CL | A-6, | | | | | | |

 | | | | A-1-b | | | | | | |

 | 39 |Unweathered | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | bedrock. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 ItF--------------| 0-2 |Extremely |GM, GM-GC |A-1, A-2 | 0-10 |40-55 |35-50 |25-45 |15-35 | 15-25 | NP-7

 Itmann | | channery sandy | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | 2-65|Extremely |GM, GM-GC |A-1, A-2 | 0-15 |30-55 |25-50 |20-45 |10-35 | 15-25 | NP-7

 | | channery sandy | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery sandy | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 KaB--------------| 0-4 |Very stony loam |GC |A-2, A-4,|15-30 |45-60 |40-55 |30-50 |20-40 | 25-35 | 7-12

 Kaymine | | | | A-6 | | | | | | |

 | 4-65|Extremely |GC |A-2, A-4,| 5-30 |30-55 |25-50 |20-45 |15-40 | 25-35 | 7-12

 | | channery loam, | | A-6 | | | | | | |

 | | very stony silt | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 KcF*: | | | | | | | | | | |

 Kaymine---------| 0-4 |Extremely stony |GC |A-2, A-4,|15-30 |45-60 |40-55 |30-50 |20-40 | 25-35 | 7-12

 | | loam. | | A-6 | | | | | | |

 | 4-65|Extremely |GC |A-2, A-4,| 5-30 |30-55 |25-50 |20-45 |15-40 | 25-35 | 7-12

 | | channery loam, | | A-6 | | | | | | |

 | | very stony silt | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Cedarcreek------| 0-2 |Extremely stony |GC |A-2, A-4,|15-30 |45-60 |40-55 |30-50 |20-40 | 25-35 | 7-12

 | | loam. | | A-6 | | | | | | |

 | 2-65|Extremely |GC |A-2, A-4 | 5-30 |30-55 |25-50 |20-45 |15-40 | 25-35 | 7-12

 | | channery loam, | | | | | | | | |

 | | very channery | | | | | | | | |

 | | silt loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 See footnote at end of table.
McDowell County, West Virginia 107

 Table 14.—Engineering Index Properties--Continued

 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | Classification |Frag- | Percentage passing | | ____________________

 Soil name and |Depth| USDA texture | | |ments | sieve number-- |Liquid | Plas- ___________________________

 map symbol | | | Unified | AASHTO | 3-10 | | | | | limit | ticity

 | | | | |inches| 4 | 10 | 40 | 200 | | index _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | In | | | | Pct | | | | | Pct | __ ___ ___

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 KcF*: | | | | | | | | | | |

 Dekalb----------| 0-5 |Extremely stony |SM, GM, |A-2, A-4,|10-30 |50-90 |45-80 |40-75 |20-55 | 10-32 | NP-10

 | | loam. | ML, CL-ML| A-1 | | | | | | |

 | 5-27|Very channery |SM, GM, |A-2, A-4,| 5-40 |50-85 |40-75 |40-75 |20-55 | 15-32 | NP-9

 | | sandy loam, | ML, GM-GC| A-1 | | | | | | |

 | | channery sandy | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, channery | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam. | | | | | | | | |

 |27-30|Very channery |SM, GM, |A-2, A-4,|10-50 |45-85 |25-75 |20-65 |15-40 | 15-32 | NP-9

 | | sandy loam, very| SC, GM-GC| A-1 | | | | | | |

 | | channery loam, | | | | | | | | |

 | | very channery | | | | | | | | |

 | | fine sandy loam.| | | | | | | | |

 | 30 |Unweathered | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | bedrock. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 KrF*: | | | | | | | | | | |

 Kaymine---------| 0-4 |Very stony loam |GC |A-2, A-4,|15-30 |45-60 |40-55 |30-50 |20-40 | 25-35 | 7-12

 | | | | A-6 | | | | | | |

 | 4-65|Extremely |GC |A-2, A-4,| 5-30 |30-55 |25-50 |20-45 |15-40 | 25-35 | 7-12

 | | channery loam, | | A-6 | | | | | | |

 | | very stony silt | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 LlC--------------| 0-5 |Loam-------------|ML, CL-ML |A-4 | 0-5 |90-100|85-100|70-95 |55-80 | <35 | NP-10

 Lily | 5-19|Loam, channery |SM, SC, |A-4, A-6 | 0-10 |80-100|75-100|70-100|40-80 | <35 | 3-15

 | | loam, clay loam.| ML, CL | | | | | | | |

 |19-39|Channery loam, |SM, SC, |A-4, A-2,| 0-10 |65-100|50-100|40-95 |20-75 | <35 | 3-15

 | | loam, clay | ML, CL | A-6, | | | | | | |

 | | loam. | | A-1-b | | | | | | |

 | 39 |Unweathered | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | bedrock. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Pineville-------| 0-5 |Extremely stony |ML, CL-ML,|A-2, A-4 |15-30 |55-90 |50-85 |45-80 |30-75 | 25-35 | 4-10

 | | loam. | SM, SC-SM| | | | | | | |

 | 5-45|Channery loam, |ML, CL-ML,|A-2, A-4,| 0-10 |55-85 |50-80 |45-75 |30-65 | 25-40 | 6-15

 | | channery clay | SC, SC-SM| A-6 | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery loam. | | | | | | | | |

 |45-65|Very channery |GM, GM-GC,|A-1, A-2,| 5-20 |35-75 |30-70 |25-65 |20-60 | 25-35 | 4-12

 | | sandy loam, very| SC, SC-SM| A-4, A-6| | | | | | |

 | | channery loam, | | | | | | | | |

 | | very channery | | | | | | | | |

 | | clay loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 See footnote at end of table.
108 Soil Survey

 Table 14.—Engineering Index Properties--Continued

 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | Classification |Frag- | Percentage passing | | ____________________

 Soil name and |Depth| USDA texture | | |ments | sieve number-- |Liquid | Plas- ___________________________

 map symbol | | | Unified | AASHTO | 3-10 | | | | | limit | ticity

 | | | | |inches| 4 | 10 | 40 | 200 | | index _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | In | | | | Pct | | | | | Pct | __ ___ ___

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 PBF*: | | | | | | | | | | |

 Berks-----------| 0-4 |Extremely stony |GM, SM, |A-2, A-4 |15-30 |40-80 |35-70 |30-60 |25-45 | 25-36 | 5-10

 | | loam. | GC, SC | | | | | | | |

 | 4-17|Very channery |GM, GC, |A-1, A-2,| 0-30 |40-80 |35-70 |25-60 |20-45 | 25-36 | 5-10

 | | loam, channery | SM, SC | A-4 | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery silt | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam. | | | | | | | | |

 |17-25|Extremely |GM, SM |A-1, A-2 | 0-40 |35-65 |25-55 |20-40 |15-35 | 24-38 | 2-10

 | | channery silt | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery silt | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | 25 |Weathered bedrock| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 PlE*: | | | | | | | | | | |

 Pineville-------| 0-5 |Very stony loam |ML, CL-ML,|A-2, A-4 | 3-15 |55-90 |50-85 |45-80 |30-75 | 25-35 | 4-10

 | | | SM, SC-SM| | | | | | | |

 | 5-45|Channery loam, |ML, CL-ML,|A-2, A-4,| 0-10 |55-85 |50-80 |45-75 |30-65 | 25-40 | 6-15

 | | channery clay | SC, SC-SM| A-6 | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery loam. | | | | | | | | |

 |45-65|Very channery |GM, GM-GC,|A-1, A-2,| 5-20 |35-75 |30-70 |25-65 |20-60 | 25-35 | 4-12

 | | sandy loam, | SC, SC-SM| A-4, A-6| | | | | | |

 | | very channery | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery clay | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Lily------------| 0-5 |Very stony loam |SM, ML |A-2, A-4 | 5-20 |90-95 |85-90 |55-90 |25-75 | <35 | NP-7

 | 5-19|Loam, channery |SM, SC, |A-4, A-6 | 5-20 |80-95 |75-90 |60-85 |40-80 | <35 | 3-15

 | | loam, clay loam.| ML, CL | | | | | | | |

 |19-39|Channery loam, |SM, GC, |A-2, A-4,| 5-20 |65-95 |60-90 |50-85 |20-75 | <35 | NP-15

 | | loam, clay loam.| ML, CL | A-6 | | | | | | |

 | 39 |Unweathered | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---

 | | bedrock. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 SeB--------------| 0-7 |Very stony sandy |SM, SC-SM,|A-1, A-2 |30-55 |55-70 |50-65 |35-50 |10-25 | 15-25 | NP-7

 Sewell | | loam. | GM-GC, GM| | | | | | | |

 | 7-65|Extremely |GM, GP-GM,|A-1, A-2 | 5-30 |30-50 |25-45 |15-35 |10-20 | 15-25 | NP-7

 | | channery sandy | GM-GC | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery sandy | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very stony| | | | | | | | |

 | | sandy loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 SrF*: | | | | | | | | | | |

 Sewell----------| 0-7 |Extremely stony |SM, SC-SM,|A-1, A-2 |30-55 |55-70 |50-65 |35-50 |10-25 | 15-25 | NP-7

 | | sandy loam. | GM-GC, GM| | | | | | | |

 | 7-65|Extremely |GM, GP-GM,|A-1, A-2 | 5-30 |30-50 |25-45 |15-35 |10-20 | 15-25 | NP-7

 | | channery sandy | GM-GC | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very | | | | | | | | |

 | | channery sandy | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam, very stony| | | | | | | | |

 | | sandy loam. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 See footnote at end of table.
McDowell County, West Virginia 109

 Table 14.—Engineering Index Properties--Continued

 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | Classification |Frag- | Percentage passing | | ____________________

 Soil name and |Depth| USDA texture | | |ments | sieve number-- |Liquid | Plas- ___________________________

 map symbol | | | Unified | AASHTO | 3-10 | | | | | limit | ticity

 | | | | |inches| 4 | 10 | 40 | 200 | | index _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | In | | | | Pct | | | | | Pct | __ ___ ___

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Ud. | | | | | | | | | | |

 Udorthents | | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Ur*: | | | | | | | | | | |

 Urban land. | | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Chavies---------| 0-6 |Loam-------------|SM, ML, |A-4 | 0 |85-100|75-100|40-90 |40-75 | <25 | NP-5

 | | | CL-ML, | | | | | | | |

 | | | SC-SM | | | | | | | |

 | 6-42|Fine sandy loam, |SM, ML, |A-4 | 0 |85-100|75-100|65-100|45-85 | <35 | NP-8

 | | sandy loam, | SC-SM | | | | | | | |

 | | loam. | | | | | | | | |

 |42-65|Fine sandy loam, |SM, ML, |A-4, A-2,| 0-5 |70-100|60-95 |40-85 |20-75 | <25 | NP-5

 | | gravelly fine | CL-ML, | A-1-b | | | | | | |

 | | sandy loam, | SC-SM | | | | | | | |

 | | loamy fine sand.| | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | |

 Ye---------------| 0-8 |Fine sandy loam |SM, SC-SM |A-2-4, | 0 |95-100|95-100|60-90 |20-45 | <25 | NP-5

 Yeager | | | | A-4 | | | | | | |

 | 8-57|Stratified loamy |SP-SM, SM |A-2-4, | 0 |95-100|75-100|55-80 | 5-35 | <20 | NP

 | | fine sand, loamy| | A-3 | | | | | | |

 | | sand, sandy | | | | | | | | |

 | | loam. | | | | | | | | |

 |57-65|Sandy loam, |SP-SM, SM |A-2-4, | 0-5 |85-100|40-100|40-80 | 5-35 | <20 | NP

 | | cobbly loamy | | A-3 | | | | | | |

 | | sand. | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | | _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 * See description of the map unit for composition and behavior characteristics of the map unit.
110 Soil Survey

 Table 15.—Physical and Chemical Properties of the Soils

 (The symbol < means less than; > means more than. Entries under "Erosion factors--T" apply to the entire

 profile. Entries under "Organic matter" apply only to the surface layer. Absence of an entry indicates

 that data were not available or were not estimated)

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | | | | | Erosion |

 Soil name and |Depth| Clay | Moist |Permeability |Available| Soil |Shrink-swell | factors | Organic _________

 map symbol | | | bulk | | water |reaction| potential | | | matter

 | | | density | |capacity | | | K | T | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | In | Pct | g/cc | In/hr | In/in | pH | | | | Pct __ ___ ____ _____ _____ __ ___

 | | | | | | | | | |

 BrF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Berks-----------| 0-4 | 5-23 |1.20-1.50| 0.6-6.0 |0.08-0.12|3.6-6.5 |Low----------|0.17| 3 | 2-4

 | 4-17| 5-32 |1.20-1.60| 0.6-6.0 |0.04-0.10|3.6-6.0 |Low----------|0.17| |

 |17-25| 5-20 |1.20-1.60| 2.0-6.0 |0.04-0.10|3.6-6.0 |Low----------|0.17| |

 | 25 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |-------------|----| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 CeB--------------| 0-2 | 18-27 |1.35-1.65| 0.6-6.0 |0.07-0.16|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.32| 5 | <.5

 Cedarcreek | 2-65| 18-27 |1.35-1.65| 0.6-6.0 |0.07-0.16|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.32| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 CrF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Cedarcreek------| 0-2 | 18-27 |1.35-1.65| 0.6-6.0 |0.07-0.16|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.32| 5 | <.5

 | 2-65| 18-27 |1.35-1.65| 0.6-6.0 |0.07-0.16|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.32| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Cv---------------| 0-6 | 7-18 |1.20-1.40| 2.0-6.0 |0.11-0.18|5.1-7.3 |Low----------|0.24| 4 | .5-4

 Chavies | 6-42| 7-18 |1.20-1.40| 2.0-6.0 |0.11-0.20|4.5-6.0 |Low----------|0.24| |

 |42-65| 7-18 |1.30-1.50| 2.0-6.0 |0.08-0.18|4.5-6.0 |Low----------|0.24| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 GlE*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Gilpin----------| 0-4 | 15-27 |1.20-1.40| 0.6-2.0 |0.12-0.18|3.6-6.5 |Low----------|0.32| 3 | .5-4

 | 4-32| 18-35 |1.20-1.50| 0.6-2.0 |0.12-0.16|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.24| |

 |32-38| 15-35 |1.20-1.50| 0.6-2.0 |0.08-0.12|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.24| |

 | 38 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |-------------|----| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Lily------------| 0-5 | 7-27 |1.20-1.40| 0.6-6.0 |0.13-0.18|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.28| 2 | .5-4

 | 5-19| 18-35 |1.25-1.35| 2.0-6.0 |0.12-0.18|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.28| |

 |19-39| 20-35 |1.25-1.35| 2.0-6.0 |0.08-0.17|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.17| |

 | 39 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |-------------|----| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 ItF--------------| 0-2 | 4-15 |1.00-1.30| 2.0-20 |0.05-0.12|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.32| 5 | <.5

 Itmann | 2-65| 4-15 |1.00-1.30| 2.0-20 |0.05-0.12|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.32| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 KaB--------------| 0-4 | 18-27 |1.35-1.65| 0.6-6.0 |0.07-0.16|5.6-7.8 |Low----------|0.32| 5 | <.5

 Kaymine | 4-65| 18-27 |1.35-1.65| 0.6-6.0 |0.07-0.16|5.6-7.8 |Low----------|0.32| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 KcF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Kaymine---------| 0-4 | 18-27 |1.35-1.65| 0.6-6.0 |0.07-0.16|5.6-7.8 |Low----------|0.32| 5 | <.5

 | 4-65| 18-27 |1.35-1.65| 0.6-6.0 |0.07-0.16|5.6-7.8 |Low----------|0.32| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Cedarcreek------| 0-2 | 18-27 |1.35-1.65| 0.6-6.0 |0.07-0.16|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.32| 5 | <.5

 | 2-65| 18-27 |1.35-1.65| 0.6-6.0 |0.07-0.16|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.32| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Dekalb----------| 0-5 | 10-20 |1.20-1.50| 6.0-20 |0.08-0.12|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.17| 2 | 2-5

 | 5-27| 7-18 |1.20-1.50| 6.0-20 |0.06-0.12|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.17| |

 |27-30| 5-15 |1.20-1.50| >6.0 |0.05-0.10|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.17| |

 | 30 | --- | --- | 2.0-6.0 | --- | --- |-------------|----| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 KrF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Kaymine---------| 0-4 | 18-27 |1.35-1.65| 0.6-6.0 |0.07-0.16|5.6-7.8 |Low----------|0.32| 5 | <.5

 | 4-65| 18-27 |1.35-1.65| 0.6-6.0 |0.07-0.16|5.6-7.8 |Low----------|0.32| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 See footnote at end of table.
McDowell County, West Virginia 111

 Table 15.—Physical and Chemical Properties of the Soils--Continued

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | | | | | | Erosion |

 Soil name and |Depth| Clay | Moist |Permeability |Available| Soil |Shrink-swell | factors | Organic _________

 map symbol | | | bulk | | water |reaction| potential | | | matter

 | | | density | |capacity | | | K | T | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | In | Pct | g/cc | In/hr | In/in | pH | | | | Pct __ ___ ____ _____ _____ __ ___

 | | | | | | | | | |

 LlC--------------| 0-5 | 7-27 |1.20-1.40| 0.6-6.0 |0.13-0.18|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.28| 2 | .5-4

 Lily | 5-19| 18-35 |1.25-1.35| 2.0-6.0 |0.12-0.18|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.28| |

 |19-39| 20-35 |1.25-1.35| 2.0-6.0 |0.08-0.17|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.17| |

 | 39 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |-------------|----| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 PBF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Pineville-------| 0-5 | 15-25 |1.00-1.30| 0.6-2.0 |0.10-0.16|3.6-7.3 |Low----------|0.20| 4 | .5-5

 | 5-45| 18-30 |1.30-1.60| 0.6-2.0 |0.08-0.14|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.15| |

 |45-65| 15-30 |1.30-1.60| 0.6-6.0 |0.06-0.14|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.15| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Berks-----------| 0-4 | 5-23 |1.20-1.50| 0.6-6.0 |0.08-0.12|3.6-6.5 |Low----------|0.17| 3 | 2-4

 | 4-17| 5-32 |1.20-1.60| 0.6-6.0 |0.04-0.10|3.6-6.0 |Low----------|0.17| |

 |17-25| 5-20 |1.20-1.60| 2.0-6.0 |0.04-0.10|3.6-6.0 |Low----------|0.17| |

 | 25 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |-------------|----| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 PlE*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Pineville-------| 0-5 | 15-25 |1.00-1.30| 0.6-2.0 |0.12-0.18|3.6-7.3 |Low----------|0.20| 4 | .5-5

 | 5-45| 18-30 |1.30-1.60| 0.6-2.0 |0.08-0.14|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.15| |

 |45-65| 15-30 |1.30-1.60| 0.6-6.0 |0.06-0.14|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.15| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Lily------------| 0-5 | 5-25 |1.20-1.40| 0.6-6.0 |0.09-0.16|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.24| 2 | .5-4

 | 5-19| 18-35 |1.25-1.55| 2.0-6.0 |0.12-0.18|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.24| |

 |19-39| 18-35 |1.25-1.55| 2.0-6.0 |0.08-0.17|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.17| |

 | 39 | --- | --- | 0.0-0.2 | --- | --- |-------------|----| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 SeB--------------| 0-7 | 5-18 |1.35-1.65| 2.0-20 |0.05-0.12|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.32| 5 | <.5

 Sewell | 7-65| 5-18 |1.35-1.65| 2.0-20 |0.05-0.12|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.32| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 SrF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Sewell----------| 0-7 | 5-18 |1.35-1.65| 2.0-20 |0.05-0.12|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.32| 5 | <.5

 | 7-65| 5-18 |1.35-1.65| 2.0-20 |0.05-0.12|3.6-5.5 |Low----------|0.32| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Ud. | | | | | | | | | |

 Udorthents | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Ur*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Urban land. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Chavies---------| 0-6 | 7-18 |1.20-1.40| 2.0-6.0 |0.11-0.18|5.1-7.3 |Low----------|0.24| 4 | .5-4

 | 6-42| 7-18 |1.20-1.40| 2.0-6.0 |0.11-0.20|4.5-6.0 |Low----------|0.24| |

 |42-65| 7-18 |1.30-1.50| 2.0-6.0 |0.08-0.18|4.5-6.0 |Low----------|0.24| |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Ye---------------| 0-8 | 3-12 |1.40-1.60| 2.0-6.0 |0.08-0.14|5.1-7.3 |Low----------|0.17| 5 | 2-5

 Yeager | 8-57| 2-10 |1.40-1.70| 2.0-20 |0.05-0.10|5.1-7.3 |Low----------|0.15| |

 |57-65| 2-18 |1.40-1.70| 2.0-20 |0.05-0.10|5.1-7.3 |Low----------|0.15| |

 | | | | | | | | | | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 * See description of the map unit for composition and behavior characteristics of the map unit.
112 Soil Survey

 Table 16.—Soil and Water Features

 ("Flooding" and "water table" and terms such as "rare," "occasional," and "apparent" are explained in the text.

 The symbol < means less than; > means more than. Absence of an entry indicates that the feature is not a

 concern or that data were not estimated)

 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 |Hydro-| | High water table | Bedrock | | Risk of corrosion ____________________________________________ ___________________

 Soil name and |logic | Flooding | | | | | |Potential| |

 map symbol |group |frequency | Depth | Kind |Months | Depth | Hardness| frost |Uncoated |Concrete

 | | | | | | | | action | steel | _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | Ft | | | In | | | | __ __

 | | | | | | | | | |

 BrF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Berks------------| C |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | 20-40 |Soft |Moderate |Low------|High.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop-----| D |----------| --- | --- | --- | 0 |Hard | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 CeB---------------| C |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | >60 | --- |Moderate |Moderate |High.

 Cedarcreek | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 CrF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Cedarcreek-------| C |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | >60 | --- |Moderate |Moderate |High.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop-----| D |----------| --- | --- | --- | 0 |Hard | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Cv----------------| B |Rare------| >6.0 | --- | --- | >60 | --- |Moderate |Low------|Moderate.

 Chavies | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 GlE*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Gilpin-----------| C |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | 20-40 |Soft |Moderate |Low------|High.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Lily-------------| B |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | 20-40 |Hard |Moderate |Moderate |High.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 ItF---------------| C |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | >60 | --- |Moderate |High-----|High.

 Itmann | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 KaB---------------| C |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | >60 | --- |Moderate |Low------|Low.

 Kaymine | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 KcF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Kaymine----------| C |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | >60 | --- |Moderate |Low------|Low.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Cedarcreek-------| C |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | >60 | --- |Moderate |Moderate |High.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Dekalb-----------| C |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | 20-40 |Hard |Low------|Low------|High.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 KrF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Kaymine----------| C |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | >60 | --- |Moderate |Low------|Low.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop-----| D |----------| --- | --- | --- | 0 |Hard | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 LlC---------------| B |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | 20-40 |Hard |Moderate |Moderate |High.

 Lily | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 PBF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Pineville--------| B |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | >60 | --- |Moderate |Low------|High.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Berks------------| C |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | 20-40 |Soft |Moderate |Low------|High.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 PlE*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Pineville--------| B |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | >60 | --- |Moderate |Low------|High.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Lily-------------| B |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | 20-40 |Hard |Moderate |Moderate |High.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 SeB---------------| C |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | >60 | --- |Moderate |Moderate |High.

 Sewell | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 See footnote at end of table.
McDowell County, West Virginia 113

 Table 16.—Soil and Water Features--Continued

 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 |Hydro-| | High water table | Bedrock | | Risk of corrosion ____________________________________________ ___________________

 Soil name and |logic | Flooding | | | | | |Potential| |

 map symbol |group |frequency | Depth | Kind |Months | Depth | Hardness| frost |Uncoated |Concrete

 | | | | | | | | action | steel | _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 | | | Ft | | | In | | | | __ __

 | | | | | | | | | |

 SrF*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Sewell-----------| C |None------| >6.0 | --- | --- | >60 | --- |Moderate |Moderate |High.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Rock outcrop-----| D |----------| --- | --- | --- | 0 |Hard | --- | --- | ---

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Ud. | | | | | | | | | |

 Udorthents | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Ur*: | | | | | | | | | |

 Urban land. | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Chavies----------| B |Rare------| >6.0 | --- | --- | >60 | --- |Moderate |Low------|Moderate.

 | | | | | | | | | |

 Ye----------------| A |Occasional|4.0-6.0|Apparent|Dec-May| >60 | --- |Low------|Low------|High.

 Yeager | | | | | | | | | |

 | | | | | | | | | | _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 * See description of the map unit for composition and behavior characteristics of the map unit.
114

 Table 17.—Classification of the Soils

 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 |

 Soil name | Family or higher taxonomic class

 | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 |

 |

 Berks---------------------| Loamy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Typic Dystrochrepts

 Cedarcreek----------------| Loamy-skeletal, mixed, acid, mesic Typic Udorthents

 Chavies-------------------| Coarse-loamy, mixed, mesic Ultic Hapludalfs

 Dekalb--------------------| Loamy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Typic Dystrochrepts

 Gilpin--------------------| Fine-loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludults

 Itmann--------------------| Loamy-skeletal, mixed, acid, mesic Typic Udorthents

 Kaymine-------------------| Loamy-skeletal, mixed, nonacid, mesic Typic Udorthents

 Lily----------------------| Fine-loamy, siliceous, mesic Typic Hapludults

 Pineville-----------------| Fine-loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludults

 Sewell--------------------| Loamy-skeletal, mixed, acid, mesic Typic Udorthents

 Udorthents----------------| Udorthents

 Yeager--------------------| Sandy, mixed, mesic Typic Udifluvents

 | ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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