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West Virginia Soils

West Virginia NRCS soil scientists provide technical assistance in the use and understanding of soil surveys upon request. Soil surveys represent the examination, description, classification, and mapping of soils in an area. It is foundational to the NRCS as an agency and is essential in conservation planning, land use management, resource assessments, and conservation practice and restorative design. The soils in West Virginia are diverse with a broad range of soil properties that make this work challenging.

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Monongahela - West Virginia State Soil

Monongahela is West Virginia’s state soil. It is formed from loamy water deposited sediments (alluvium) on old stream terraces not subjected to flooding. It is very deep and contains a hardpan (fragipan) in its upper half that perches water seasonally and is restrictive to root growth. This soil is considered prime farmland and is located throughout the state. Monongahela is not hydric and therefore not found in wetlands.

Jared Beard

State Soil Scientist

Brian Nester

Assistant State Soil Scientist