Addison County Soil Data
Addison County, Vermont
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
12.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Addison County, Vermont
Acidic Soils in the Heart of Vermont
Addison’s soil features a pH of 5.27, which is notably acidic compared to the 6.5 national median. While lower than the national benchmark, it remains less acidic than the Vermont state average of 4.86.
A Balanced Mix for Farm Workability
The soil contains 41.4% sand and 13.0% clay, providing a texture that supports moderate drainage and nutrient retention. A 33.9% silt content ensures the ground remains workable for local farmers and home gardeners alike.
High Organic Matter for Growing Potential
With 12.28% organic matter, these soils far exceed the national average of 2.0%, though they sit below the state average of 29.01%. The available water capacity of 0.179 in/in is slightly lower than the Vermont average of 0.235 in/in.
Managing Moisture in Silt-Rich Grounds
While specific drainage classes are not recorded for this area, the sand-heavy mix typically prevents excessive waterlogging. This profile supports stable foundations for building and predictable moisture levels in the fields.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 5a
Addison is prime for cool-weather vegetables and apples in Hardiness Zone 5a. With a soil score of 57.0, adding a little lime to balance the pH can help your backyard garden flourish.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Addison County have?
Addison County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 34% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Addison County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Addison 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 Addison County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Addison County.
What crops or plants grow well in Addison County's soil?
Based on Addison 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 Addison County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Addison County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Addison County
Soil Verdict
Addison County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -20°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Addison County closely matches the Vermont average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Addison County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Vermont
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.