Washington County Soil Data
Washington County, Maryland
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
13.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Washington County, Maryland
Silty upland soils of Western Maryland
Washington County has an average soil pH of 5.34, placing it right in line with the Maryland state average. These soils are characteristic of the region's diverse limestone and shale geology.
High silt and clay for structure
Silt dominates the profile at 41.0%, while sand is lower than average at 22.7%. With a clay content of 15.2%, this soil is denser than its coastal neighbors and holds onto nutrients effectively.
Impressive organic matter despite low sand
The soil contains 13.44% organic matter, significantly beating the state average of 9.10%. Available water capacity is 0.170 in/in, which is very close to the state benchmark of 0.175 in/in.
Moisture retention in the silty valleys
While specific drainage classes are not provided, the high silt and clay content suggests a soil that holds water longer than sandy coastal varieties. This can be an advantage during dry periods in the Appalachian foothills.
Cooler Zone 7a fits hardy crops
The 7a hardiness zone is perfect for apples, berries, and cool-weather vegetables. Gardeners can leverage the high organic matter to grow productive orchards or large-scale vegetable patches.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Washington County have?
Washington County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 41% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Washington County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Washington County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Washington County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Washington County.
What crops or plants grow well in Washington County's soil?
Based on Washington County's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Washington County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Washington County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Washington County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Maryland
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.