20230918_06-Soils

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Preface
Soil surveys contain information that affects land use planning in survey areas.
They highlight soil limitations that affect various land uses and provide information
about the properties of the soils in the survey areas. Soil surveys are designed for
many different users, including farmers, ranchers,foresters, agronomists, urban
planners,community officials,engineers,developers, builders,and home buyers.
Also, conservationists,teachers,students, and specialists in recreation,waste
disposal, and pollution control can use the surveys to help them understand,
protect,or enhance the environment.
Various land use regulations of Federal, State,and local governments may impose
special restrictions on land use or land treatment Soil surveys identify soil
properties that are used in making various land use or land treatment decisions.
The information is 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.
Although soil survey information can be used for general farm, local, and wider area
planning,onsite investigation is needed to supplement this information in some
cases. Examples include soil quality assessments(http://www.nres.usda.gov/wps/
portal/nres/main/soils/health/)and certain conservation and engineering
applications. For more detailed information, contact your local USDA Service Center
(https://oifices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nres)or your NRCS State Soil
Scientist(http://www.nres.usda.gov/wps/portal/nres/detail/soils/contactus/?
cid=nres142p2_053951).
Great differences In soil properties can occur within short distances. Some soils are
seasonally wet or subject to flooding.Some are too unstable to be used as a
foundation for buildings or roads. Clayey or wet soils are poorly suited to use as
septic tank absorption fields.A high water table makes a soil poorly suited to
basements or underground installations.
The National Cooperative Soil Survey is 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(NRCS)has leadership for the Federal part of the National
Cooperative Soil Survey.
Information about soils is updated periodically. Updated information is available
through the NRCS Web Soil Survey,the site for official soil survey information.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA)prohibits discrimination in all its
programs and activities on the basis of race,color, national origin,age, disability,
and where applicable,sex, marital status,familial status, parental status, religion,
sexual orientation,genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a
part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not
all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
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alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,large print,
audiotape, etc.)should contact USDA's TARGET Center at(202)720-2600(voice
and TDD).To file a complaint of discrimination,write to USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, 14001ndependence Avenue, S.W.,Washington, D.C.20250-9410 or
call [phone] (voice)or(202)720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity
provider and employer.
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Contents
Preface....................................................................................................................2
How Soil Surveys Are Made..................................................................................5
SoilMap..................................................................................................................8
SoilMap................................................................................................................9
Legend................................................................................................................10
MapUnit Legend................................................................................................ 11
MapUnit Descriptions.........................................................................................11
Mitchell County, North Carolina...................................................................... 13
CeE—Chandler-MicaviIle complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes,stony............13
SaB-Saunook silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes.........:................................14
ScC—Saunook silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony..............................16
SdD—Saunook-Thunder complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony.............18
TsE—Thunder-Saunook complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very
bouldery................................................................................................19
Ud—Udorthents,loamy...............................................................................21
Un—Udorthents,loamy, stony.....................................................................22
WgC—Watauga sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes,stony.......................23
WgD—Watauga sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes,stony.....................24
WgE—Watauga sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony.....................25
References............................................................................................................27
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How Soil Surveys Are Made
Soil surveys are made to provide information about the soils and miscellaneous
areas in a specific area.They include a description of the soils and miscellaneous
areas and their location on the landscape and tables that show soil properties and
limitations affecting various 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 observed and described many soil
profiles.A soil profile 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 or from the surface down to bedrock.The unconsolidated material is
devoid of roots and other living organisms and has not been changed by other
biological activity.
Currently,soils are mapped according to the boundaries of major land resource
areas(MLRAs).MLRAs are geographically associated land resource units that
share common characteristics related to physiography,geology, climate,water
resources,soils,biological resources,and land uses(USDA, 2006). Soil survey
areas typically consist of parts of one or more MLRA.
The soils and miscellaneous areas in a survey area occur 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
were 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 soil-vegetation-landscape 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 soil 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 soils.After describing the soils in the survey area 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
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Custom Soil Resource Report
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.
The objective of soil mapping is not to delineate pure map unit components; the
objective is to separate the landscape into landforms or landform segments that
have similar use and management requirements. Each map unit is defined by a
unique combination of soil components and/or miscellaneous areas in predictable
proportions. Some components may be highly contrasting to the other components
of the map unit.The presence of minor components in a map unit in no way
diminishes the usefulness or accuracy of the data.The delineation of such
landforms and landform segments on the map provides sufficient information for the
development of resource plans. If intensive use of small areas is planned,onsite
investigation is needed to define and locate the soils and miscellaneous areas.
Soil scientists make many field observations in the process of producing a soil map.
The frequency of observation is dependent upon several factors, including scale of
mapping, intensity of mapping,design of map units, complexity of the landscape,
and experience of the soil scientist.Observations are made to test and refine the
soil-landscape model and predictions and to verify the classification of the soils at
specific locations. Once the soil-landscape model is refined, a significantly smaller
number of measurements of individual soil properties are made and recorded.
These measurements may include field measurements,such as those for color,
depth to bedrock,and texture, and laboratory measurements,such as those for
content of sand, silt,clay,salt, and other components. Properties of each soil
typically vary from one point to another across the landscape.
Observations for map unit components are aggregated to develop ranges of
characteristics for the components.The aggregated values are presented. Direct
measurements do not exist for every property presented for every map unit
component.Values for some properties are estimated from combinations of other
properties.
While a soil survey is in progress,samples of some of the soils in the area generally
are collected for laboratory analyses and for engineering tests. Soil scientists
interpret the data from these analyses and tests as well as the field-observed
characteristics and the soil properties to determine the expected behavior of the
soils under different uses. Interpretations for all of the soils are field tested through
observation of the soils in different uses and under different levels of management.
Some interpretations are modified to fit local conditions, and some new
interpretations are 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 fairly high degree of accuracy that a given soil will
have a high water table within certain depths in most years, but they cannot predict
that a high water table will always 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
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Custom Soil Resource Report
identified each as a specific map unit.Aerial photographs show trees,buildings,
fields, roads, and rivers,all of which help in locating boundaries accurately.
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Soil Map
The soil map section includes the soil map for the defined area of interest,a list of
soil map units on the map and extent of each map unit,and cartographic symbols
displayed on the map.Also presented are various metadata about data used to
produce the map,and a description of each soil map unit.
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Custom Soil Resource Report
MAP LEGEND MAP INFORM,
Area of Interest(AOI) :=I Spoil Area The sail surveys that comprise your AO
Area of Interest(AOI) Story Spot 1:12.000.
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Soils `, very Stony Spot Please rely on the bar scale on each m:
j Soil Map Una Polygons measurements.
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Soil Map Unit Lines
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Soil Map Unit Points Special Line Features Web Soil Survey URL:
Features
Special Point Features Coordinate System: Web Mercator(E.
V Blovrout Water Features
_ Streams and Canals Maps from the Web Soil Surveys� �r-�
Borrow Pit projection,which preserves direct n
Transportation distance and area.A projection that pre
Clay Spot Hy Rails Albers equal-area Conic projection,shot
0 Closed Depression N Interstate Highways accurate calculations of distance or are:
r Gravel Pit US Routes This product Is generated from the USE
•, Gravelly Spot Major Roads of the version date(s)listed below.
t1,b, Landfill Local Roads
Soil Survey Area: Mitchell County,Noi
Lava Flow Background Survey Area Data: Version 13,Sep tE
Marshorswamp . Aerial Photography
Soil map units are labeled(as space all,
Mine or Quarry 1:50,000 or larger.
Miscellaneous Water
Date(s)aerial images were photographs
Perennial Water 2017
Rock Outcrop
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Custom Soil Resource Report
Ifto' Map Unit Legend
Map Unit Symbol Map Unit Name Acres in AOI Percent of AOI
CeE Chandler-Micaville complex,30 41.1 17.8%
to 50 percent slopes,stony
SaB Saunook silt loam,2 to 8 2.2 1.0%
percent slopes
ScC _ Saunook silt loam,8 to 15 A 11.7 5.1%1
percent slopes,stony
SdD Saunook-Thunder complex,15 27.6 12.0%
to 30 percent slopes,stony
Ts Thunder-Saunook complex,30 0.0 0.0%
to 50 percent slopes,very
bouldery
Ud Udorthents,loamy 5.0 2.2%
Un Udorthents,loamy,stony 35.2 15.3%
WgC Watauga sandy loam,8 to 15 18.5 8.0%
percent slopes,stony
WgD Watauga sandy loam,15 to 30 Y _ 74.4 32.3%
percent slopes,stony
WgE Watauga sandy loam,30 to 50 14.4 6.3%
percent slopes,stony
Totals for Area of Interest — 230.0 100.0%
Map Unit Descriptions
The map units delineated on the detailed soil maps in a soil survey represent the
soils or miscellaneous areas in the survey area.The map unit descriptions,along
with the maps, can be used to determine the composition and properties of a unit.
A map unit delineation on a soil 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.Within a taxonomic
class there are precisely defined limits for the properties of the soils. On the
landscape, however,the soils 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 minor
components that belong to taxonomic classes other than those of the major soils.
Most minor 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,components.They may or may not be mentioned in a
particular map unit description.Other minor components, however,have properties
and behavioral characteristics divergent enough to affect use or to require different
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Custom Soil Resource Report
management.These are called contrasting,or dissimilar, components. 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. If included in the database for a
given area,the contrasting minor components are identified in the map unit
descriptions along with some characteristics of each.A few areas of minor
components 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 minor components 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. If intensive use of small areas is planned, however,
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 important soil
properties and qualities.
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,Alpha
silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is a phase of the Alpha 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 the soils or miscellaneous areas are somewhat similar
in all areas.Alpha-Beta complex,0 to 6 percent slopes, 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.Alpha-Beta association, 0 to 2 percent slopes, 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.Alpha and Beta soils, 0 to 2 percent slopes, is an example.
Some surveys include miscellaneous areas. Such areas have little or no soil
material and support little or no vegetation. Rock outcrop is an example.
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Custom Soil Resource Report
Mitchell County, North Carolina
CeE—Chandler-Micaville complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol. lcrx
Elevation: 2,600 to 3,800 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 40 to 80 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 57 degrees F
Frost-free period. 124 to 176 days
Farmland classification: Not prime farmland
Map Unit Composition
Chandler, stony, and similar soils: 50 percent
Micaville, stony, and similar soils: 30 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Chandler,Stony
Setting
Landform: Mountain slopes, ridges
Landform position(two-dimensional): Backslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Upper third of mountainflank, side slope
Down-slope shape: Convex
Across-slope shape: Linear
Parent material. Affected by soil creep in the upper solum over residuum
weathered from mica schist and/or micaceous gneiss and/or other micaceous
metamorphic rock
Typical profile
A-0 to 3 inches: gravelly loam
Bw-3 to 26 inches: gravelly sandy loam
C-26 to 80 inches: loamy sand
Properties and qualities
Slope: 30 to 50 percent
Percent of area covered with surface fragments: 0.1 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Natural drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained
Runoff class: Medium
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water(Ksat): High (1.98 to 5.95
in/hr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding: None
Available water storage in profile: Moderate(about 7.5 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified
Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 6s
Hydrologic Soil Group: A
Hydric soil rating: No
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Custom Soil Resource Report
Description of Micaville,Stony
Setting
Landform: Mountain slopes, ridges
Landform position(two-dimensional): Backslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Upper third of mountainflank,side slope
Down-slope shape: Convex
Across-slope shape: Linear
Parent material: Affected by soil creep in the upper solum over residuum
weathered from mica schist and/or micaceous gneiss and/or other micaceous
metamorphic rock
Typical profile
A-0 to 3 inches: channery coarse sandy loam
Bw-3 to 37 inches: channery coarse sandy loam
C-37 to 51 inches: gravelly sandy loam
Cr-51 to 80 inches: weathered bedrock
Properties and qualities
Slope: 30 to 50 percent
Percent of area covered with surface fragments: 0.1 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: 40 to 60 inches to paraiithic bedrock
Natural drainage class: Somewhat excessively drained
Runoff class: Medium
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water(Ksat): Very low to high(0.00
to 1.98 in/hr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding. None
Frequency of ponding: None L�
Available water storage in profile: Moderate(about 6.2 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification(irrigated): None specified
Land capability classification(noninigated): 6e
Hydrologic Soil Group: A
Hydric soil rating: No
SaB—Saunook silt loam, 2 to 8 percent slopes
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol. 2xpcy
Elevation: 1,980 to 3,720 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 42 to 52 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 57 degrees F
Frost-free period. 125 to 172 days
Farmland class cation: All areas are prime farmland
Map Unit Composition
Saunook and similar soils: 80 percent
Minor components: 20 percent
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Custom Soil Resource Report
,Estimates are based on observations, descriptions,and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Saunook
Setting
Landform: Coves, fans, drainageways
Landform position(two-dimensional): Toeslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Mountainbase, base slope
Down slope shape: Convex, linear
Across-slope shape: Convex, linear
Parent material. Colluvium derived from igneous and metamorphic rock
Typical profile
Ap-0 to 10 inches: silt loam
BA- 10 to 15 inches: loam
Bt1 - 15 to 25 inches: silt loam
Bt2-25 to 38 inches: silt loam
Bt3-38 to 50 inches: gravelly loam
BC-50 to 80 inches: very cobbly sandy loam
Properties and qualities
Slope: 2 to 8 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Runoff class: Medium
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water(Ksat): Moderately high to
high (0.57 to 1.98 inthr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding: None
Available water storage in profile: Moderate(about 8.3 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification(irrigated): None specified
Land capability classification(nonirrigated): 2e
Hydrologic Soil Group: B
Hydric soil rating. No
Minor Components
Bandana,occasionally flooded
Percent of map unit. 8 percent
Landform: Flood-plain steps
Landform position(three-dimensional): Rise
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Hydric soil rating: No
Dillsboro
Percent of map unit: 7 percent
Landform: Stream terraces, coves
Landform position(two-dimensional): Toeslope,footslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Mountainbase, base slope
Down-slope shape: Convex, concave
Across-slope shape: Linear, concave
Hydric soil rating: No
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Custom Soil Resource Report
Thunder
Percent of map unit. 5 percent
Landform: Coves,drainageways,fans
Landform position(two-dimensional): Toeslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Mountainbase, base slope
Down-slope shape: Concave, linear
Across-slope shape: Concave, linear
Hydric soil rating: No
ScC—Saunook silt loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol. 2xpcz
Elevation: 1,990 to 4,510 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 41 to 56 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 57 degrees F
Frost-free period. 125 to 172 days
Farmland classification: Farmland of local importance
Map Unit Composition
Saunook and similar soils: 80 percent
Minor components. 20 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit. L
Description of Saunook
Setting
Landform: Coves,drainageways,fans
Landform position(two-dimensional): Toeslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Mountainbase, base slope
Down-slope shape: Convex, linear
Across-slope shape: Convex, linear
Parent material: Coiluvium derived from igneous and metamorphic rock
Typical profile
Ap-0 to 10 inches: silt loam
BA- 10 to 15 inches: loam
Bt1 - 15 to 25 inches: silt loam
Bt2-25 to 38 inches: silt loam
Bt3-38 to 50 inches. gravelly loam
BC-50 to 80 inches: very cobbly sandy loam
Properties and qualities
Slope: 8 to 15 percent
Percent of area covered with surface fragments: 0.1 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Runoff class: Medium
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water(Ksat): Moderately high to
high(0.57 to 1.98 inlhr)
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Custom Soil Resource Report
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding: None
Available water storage in profile: Moderate(about 8.7 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified
Land capability classifiication (nonirrigated): 3e
Hydrologic Soi!Group: B
Hydric soil rating: No
Minor Components
Dillsboro
Percent of map unit: 7 percent
Landform: Coves,stream terraces
Landform position(two-dimensional): Footslope,toeslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Mountainbase, base slope
Down-slope shape: Concave,convex
Across-slope shape: Concave, linear
Hydric soil rating: No
Thunder
Percent of map unit: 6 percent
Landform: Fans, coves, drainageways
Landfon»position(two-dimensional): Toeslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Mountainbase, base slope
Down-slope shape: Linear,concave
Across-slope shape: Concave, linear
Hydric soil rating: No
Cullasaja
Percent of map unit: 4 percent
Landform: Coves,drainageways, fans
Landform position(two-dimensional): Toeslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Mountainbase, base slope
Down-slope shape: Convex, linear
Across-slope shape: Convex, linear
Hydric soil rating: No,
Bandana
Percent of map unit. 3 percent
Landform: Flood-plain steps
Landform position(three-dimensional): Rise
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Linear
Hydric soil rating: No
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Custom Soil Resource Report
SdD--Saunook-Thunder complex, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony
Map Unit Setting
!National map unit symbol. Ict3
Elevation: 1,500 to 4,800 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 38 to 80 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 57 degrees F
Frost-free period. 100 to 150 days
Farmland classification: Farmland of local importance
Map Unit Composition
Saunook, stony, and similar soils: 65 percent
Thunder, stony, and similar soils: 25 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Saunook,Stony
Setting
Landform: Fans on mountain slopes,drainageways on mountain slopes, coves on
mountain slopes
Landform position(two-dimensional): Footslope,toeslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Lower third of mountainflank,base slope
Down-slope shape: Concave
Across-slope shape: Concave
Parent material: Colluvium derived from igneous and metamorphic rock
Typical profile
A-0 to 9 inches: sandy loam
Bt-9 to 60 inches: sandy clay loam
C-60 to 80 inches: very cobbly sandy loam
Properties and qualities
Slope: 15 to 30 percent
Percent of area covered with surface fragments: 0.1 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Runoff class: High
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water(Ksat): Moderately high to
high (0.57 to 1.98 inlhr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding: None
Available water storage in profile: High (about 9.7 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification(irrigated): None specified
Land capability classification(noninigated): 4e
Hydrologic Soil Group: B
Hydric soil rating: No
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Custom Soil Resource Report
Description of Thunder,Stony
Setting
Landform: Fans on mountain slopes,drainageways on mountain slopes, coves on
mountain slopes
Landform position (two-dimensional): Footslope, toeslope
Landform position (three-dimensional): Lower third of mountainflank,base slope
Down-slope shape: Concave
Across-slope shape: Concave
Parent material.• Cobbly and stony colluvium derived from igneous and
metamorphic rock
Typical profile
A-0 to 8 inches: cobbly loam
Bt1-8 to 21 inches. very cobbly loam
Bt2-21 to 52 inches: very cobbly sandy clay loam
C-52 to 80 inches. extremely cobbly loamy sand
Properties and qualities
Slope: 15 to 30 percent
Percent of area covered with surface fragments: 0.1 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Runoff class: High
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water(Ksat): Moderately high to
high(0.57 to 1.98 in/hr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding: None
Available water storage in profile: Low(about 5.6 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification(irrigated): None specified
Land capability classification(nonirrigated): 6s
Hydrologic Sol/Group: B
Hydric soil rating: No
TsE Thunder-Saunook complex, 30 to 50 percent slopes, very bouldery
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol. Ictg
Elevation: 1,500 to 4,800 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 38 to 80 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 57 degrees F
Frost-free period. 100 to 150 days
Farmland classification: Not prime farmland
Map Unit Composition
Thunder, very bouldery, and similar soils: 55 percent
Saunook, very bouldery, and similar soils: 40 percent
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Custom Soil Resource Report
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Thunder,Very Bouldery
Setting
Landform: Coves on mountain slopes, drainageways on mountain slopes,fans on
mountain slopes
Landform position(two-dimensional): Footslope,toeslope
Landfonn position(three-dimensional): Lower third of mountainflank, base slope
Down-slope shape: Concave
Across-slope shape: Concave
Parent material. Stony and bouldery colluvium derived from igneous and
metamorphic rock
Typical profile
A-0 to 8 inches. cobbly loam
Bt9 -8 to 21 inches. very cobbly loam
Bt2-29 to 52 inches: very cobbly sandy clay loam
C-52 to 80 inches. extremely cobbly loamy sand
Properties and qualities
Slope: 30 to 50 percent
Percent of area covered with surface fragments. 1.5 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Runoff class. High
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water(Ksat): Moderately high to
high (0.57 to 1.98 inlhr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding: None
Available water storage in profile: Low(about 5.6 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified
Land capability classification(nonirrigated): 7s
Hydrologic Soil Group: B
Hyddc soil rating: No
Description of Saunook,Very Bouldery
Setting
Landform: Coves on mountain slopes,drainageways on mountain slopes,fans on
mountain slopes
Landform position(two-dimensional): Footslope,toeslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Lower third of mountainflank, base slope
Down-slope shape: Concave
Across-slope shape: Concave
Parent material. Colluvium derived from igneous and metamorphic rock
Typical profile
A-0 to 9 inches: sandy loam
Bt-9 to 60 inches: sandy clay loam
C-60 to 80 inches: very cobbly sandy loam
Properties and qualities
Slope: 30 to 50 percent
Percent of area covered with surface fragments: 1.5 percent
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Custom Soil Resource Report
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Runoff class: High
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water(Ksat): Moderately high to
high (0.57 to 1.98 in/hr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding: None
Available water storage in profile: High (about 9.7 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification (irrigated): None specified
Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 7s
Hydrologic Soil Group: B
Hydric soil rating: No
Ud--Udorthents, loamy
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol. Icth
Mean annual precipitation: 48 to 60 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 57 degrees F
Frost-free period. 116 to 170 days
Farmland classification: Not prime farmland
Map Unit Composition
Udorthents, loamy, and similar soils: 90 percent
Minor components: 10 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Udorthents, Loamy
Setting
Landform position(two-dimensional): Backslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Side slope
Down-slope shape: Convex, linear
Across-slope shape: Convex
Parent material. Loamy and stony mine spoil or earthy fill derived from
metamorphic rock
Typical profile
C-0 to 80 inches: sandy clay loam
Properties and qualities
Slope: 2 to 50 percent
Percent of area covered with surface fragments: 0.1 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Runoff class: Medium
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water(Ksat): Moderately low to very
high (0.06 to 19.98 in/hr)
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Custom Soil Resource Report
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding. None
Available water storage in prole: Moderate(about 7.2 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification(irrigated): None specified
Land capability classification(nonk igated): 7e
Hydrologic Soil Group: C
Hyddc soil rating: No
Minor Components
Urban land
Percent of map unit: 9 percent
Hydric soil rating: No
Rubble land
Percent of map unit. 1 percent
Hydric soil rating: No
Un--Worthents, loamy, stony
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol. ictj
Elevation: 1,200 to 4,530 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 40 to 80 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 32 to 57 degrees F
Frost-free period. 100 to 170 days
Farmland classification: Not prime farmland
Map Unit Composition
Udorthents, stony, and similar soils: 85 percent
Minor components: 3 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Udorthents, Stony
Setting
Landform: Hillslopes on ridges
Landform position(two-dimensional): Backslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Side slope
Down-slope shape: Linear
Across-slope shape: Convex
Parent material: Loamy and clayey mine spoil or earthy fill derived from igneous,
metamorphic and sedimentary rock
Typical profile
C-0 to 80 inches: sandy loam
Properties and qualities
Slope: 0 to 50 percent
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Custom Soil Resource Report
Percent of area covered with surface fragments: 1.6 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Natural drainage class. Somewhat excessively drained
Runoff class: High
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water(Ksat): Very low to very high
(0.00 to 19.98 in/hr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding. None
Available water storage in profile: Moderate(about 8.4 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification(irrigated): None specified
Land capability classification(nonirrigated): 7e
Hydrologic Soil Group: A
Hydric soil rating: No
Minor Components
Aquents
Percent of map unit: 3 percent
Landform: Depressions on flood plains
Down-slope shape: Concave
Across-slope shape: Concave
Hydric soil rating. Yes
WgC—Watauga sandy loam, 8 to 15 percent slopes, stony
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol: Icti
Elevation: 1,400 to 4,500 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 45 to 60 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 57 degrees F
Frost-free period. 124 to 176 days
Farmland classification: Farmland of local importance
Map Unit Composition
Watauga, stony, and similar soils: 90 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Watauga, Stony
Setting
Landform: Mountain slopes, ridges
Landform position(two-dimensional): Summit
Landform position(three-dimensional): Mountaintop, crest
Down-slope shape: Convex
Across-slope shape: Convex
Parent material. Residuum weathered from mica schist and/or micaceous gneiss
and/or other micaceous metamorphic rock
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Custom Soil Resource Report
Typical profile
A -0 to 5 inches: sandy loam 14�
Bt-5 to 26 inches: sandy clay loam
C-26 to 80 Inches: sandy loam
Properties and qualities
Slope: 8 to 15 percent
Percent of area covered with surface fragments: 0.1 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Runoff class. Medium
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water(Ksat): Moderately high to
high (0.57 to 1.98 in/hr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 Inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding: None
Available water storage in profile: Moderate(about 7.9 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification(irrigated): None specified
Land capability classification(nonirrigated): 3e
Hydrologic Soil Group: B
Hydric soil rating. No
WgD—Watauga sandy loam, 15 to 30 percent slopes, stony
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol. Ictm
Elevation: 1,400 to 4,500 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 45 to 60 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 57 degrees F
Frost--free period. 124 to 176 days
Farmland classification: Farmland of local importance
Map Unit Composition
Watauga, stony, and similar soils: 85 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Watauga,Stony
Setting
Landform: Mountain slopes, ridges
Landform position(two-dimensional): Summit; backslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Upper third of mountainflank, side slope
Down-slope shape: Convex
Across-slope shape: Linear
Parent material. Residuum weathered from mica schist and/or micaceous gneiss
and/or other micaceous metamorphic rock
Typical profile
A-0 to 5 inches. sandy loam
St-5 to 26 inches: sandy clay loam
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Custom Soil Resource Report
C-26 to 80 inches. sandy loam
IWOP., Properties and qualities
Slope: 15 to 30 percent
Percent of area covered with surface fragments: 0.1 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Natural drainage class: Well drained
Runoff class: High
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water(Ksat): Moderately high to
high (0.57 to 1.98 in/hr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding: None
Available water storage in profile: Moderate(about 7.9 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classification(irrigated): None specified
Land capability classification (nonirrigated): 4e
Hydrologic Soil Group: B
Hydric soil rating: No
WgE—Watauga sandy loam, 30 to 50 percent slopes, stony
Map Unit Setting
National map unit symbol. Ictn
Elevation: 1,200 to 4,500 feet
Mean annual precipitation: 45 to 60 inches
Mean annual air temperature: 46 to 57 degrees F
Frost--free period. 124 to 176 days
Farmland classification: Not prime farmland
Map Unit Composition
Watauga, stony, and similar soils: 75 percent
Estimates are based on observations, descriptions, and transects of the mapunit.
Description of Watauga,Stony
Setting
Landform: Mountain slopes, ridges
Landform position(two-dimensional): Summit,backslope
Landform position(three-dimensional): Upper third of mountainflank,side slope
Down-slope shape: Convex
Across-slope shape: Linear
Parent material. Affected by soil creep in the upper solum over residuum
weathered from mica schist and/or micaceous gneiss and/or other micaceous
metamorphic rock
Typical profile
A -0 to 5 inches: sandy loam
Bt-5 to 58 inches: sandy clay loam
C9 -58 to 87 inches: coarse sandy loam
C2-87 to 99 inches: loamy coarse sand
'vd
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Custom Soil Resource Report
Properties and qualities
Slope: 30 to 50 percent 14W)
Percent of area covered with surface fragments: 0.1 percent
Depth to restrictive feature: More than 80 inches
Natural drainage class. Well drained
Runoff class: High
Capacity of the most limiting layer to transmit water(Ksat): Moderately high to
high(0.57 to 1.98 in/hr)
Depth to water table: More than 80 inches
Frequency of flooding: None
Frequency of ponding: None
Available water storage in profile: High(about 10.4 inches)
Interpretive groups
Land capability classibcation (irrigated): None specified
Land capability classipcation (nonirrigated): 6e
Hydrologic Soil Group: B
Hydric soil rating: No
26

References
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials(AASHTO).
2004. Standard specifications for transportation materials and methods of sampling
and testing. 24th edition.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).2005. Standard classification of
soils for engineering purposes.ASTM Standard D2487-00.
Cowardin, L.M.,V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of
wetlands and deep-water habitats of the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service FWS/OBS-79/31.
Federal Register.July 13, 1994. Changes in hydric soils of the United States.
Federal Register.September 18, 2002. Hydric soils of the United States.
Hurt,G.W., and L.M. Vasilas, editors. Version 6.0,2006. Field indicators of hydric
soils in the United States.
National Research Council. 1995.Wetlands: Characteristics and boundaries.
Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil survey manual. Soil Conservation Service.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 18. http://www.nres.usda.gov/wpslportal/
nres/deta i I/national/soils/?cid=nres 142p2_054262
Soil Survey Staff. 1999. Soil taxonomy:A basic system of soil classification for
making and interpreting soil surveys. 2nd edition. Natural Resources Conservation
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 436. http://
www.nrGs.usda.govlwps/portal/nres/detail/national/soils/?cid=nresl42p2_053577
Soil Survey Staff. 2010. Keys to soil taxonomy. 11 th edition. U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.http://
www.nres.usda.gov/wpslportal/nres/detail/national/soils/?cid=nres 142p2_053580
Tiner, R.W.,Jr. 1985.Wetlands of Delaware. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Wetlands
Section.
United States Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Laboratory. 1987.Corps of
Engineers wetlands delineation manual. Waterways Experiment Station Technical
Report Y-87-1.
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National forestry manual. http://www.nres.usda.gov/wps/portaUnres/detail/soils/
home/?cid=nresl42p2 053374
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National range and pasture handbook. http://www.nres.usda.gov/wps/portal/nres/
deta it/na tionalll and use/rangepa sture/?cid=stelprdb 1043084
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Custom Soil Resource Report
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National soil survey handbook,title 430-VI. http:/Iwww.nres.usda.gov/wps/portal/
nres/detail/soils/scientists/?cid=nresl42p2_054242 v
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
2006. Land resource regions and major land resource areas of the United States,
the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook
296. http://www.nres.usda.gov/wps/portal/nres/detail/national/soils/?
cid=nres 142p2_053624
United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1961. Land
capability classification. U.S. Department of Agriculture Handbook 210. http://
www.nrcs.usda.gov/lnterneYFSr=—DOCUMENTS/nrcsl42p2L052290.pdf
28

VEGET.kTION PLAN
1. All of the disturbed area will be covered with dirt and or gravel
as needed to prepare for seeding or future use within 21 days of
completion of any phase of grading.
2. The surfaces to be seeded will be roughed and tilled to prepare
a seed bed.
3. The following Lime and fertilizer mix will be used to prepare
the soil for the seeds:
Agricultural lime 2,000#/acre
Fertilizer 1,000#/acre
4. The following seed specifications will be used paying special
attention to the date of seeding and seeds required for that
season:
Dates Species Rate#/acre
Feb 15 —March 31 Korean Lespedeza 10
Fescue 40
Redtop/Cloves 1
Winter Rye (grain) 15
April 1 —July 31 Common Bermuda 50
Aug. 1 —Oct. 25 Lespedeza.(unscarified) 30
German Millet 40
Oct. 26--Feb 14 Rye(grain—temporary) 120
Spring/ Summer Mixture (May1 —September 15)
Browntop Millet 20
Korean Lespedeza 20
VA 70 Lespedeza 1

Fall / Winter(September 16 —April 30)
Rye (grain) 120
Korean Lespedeza 20
VA 70 Lespedeza 1
One of the following may also be added to the above mixture
Crown Vetch 5
Ladino Clover 5
Alfalfa 5
5. Surface mulch shall be applied after seeding to provide a means
of controlling runoff and erosion in disturbed areas. Straw
mulch shall be applied at the rate of 1 ton per acre. Straw
should be dry, unchopped, unweathered and free of weeds.
Wheat or oat straw is preferred and can be spread by machine
or hand. Straw must be tacked down to avoid loss by wind.
6. After a vegetation growth is established, fertilization will
continue as needed until a sod layer is established.
7. Decorative landscaping may be added later as a beautification
project in stable areas, but only in areas not subject to erosion
and heavy runoff.
8. In areas where shade is dominating the mixture should
substitute Orchard Grass and or Blue Grass for Fescue.
9. Temporary seeding should be performed using 40 pounds of
German Millet or Rye (grain)per acre and the fertilizer_and lime
mix above.
10. Top dressing should be performed within 6 months if a vigorous
growth has net been established.