Bennington County Soil Data

Bennington County, Vermont

Avg pH

4.7

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

50.5%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Bennington County, Vermont

Potent Acidity in Bennington's Earth

Bennington’s soil is quite acidic with a pH of 4.69, sitting well below the national 6.5 median. This level is slightly more intense than the Vermont state average of 4.86, requiring careful management for many crops.

Loamy Texture Without Heavy Compaction

The soil consists of 38.1% sand and 31.7% silt, paired with a low 7.0% clay content. This light mix ensures excellent workability and prevents the heavy compaction often found in clay-rich soils.

Incredible Organic Richness and Retention

This county boasts a massive 50.45% organic matter content, nearly double the state average of 29.01%. Its available water capacity of 0.325 in/in is also well above the Vermont average, indicating incredible drought resistance.

Steady Water Movement for Organic Success

High organic content and low clay levels facilitate steady water movement through the soil profile. This environment is ideal for intensive organic farming and deep-rooted perennials that dislike standing water.

A Paradise for Acid-Loving Plants

In Zone 5a, Bennington gardeners can excel with blueberries and hydrangeas that love acidic, rich soil. The high soil score of 67.7 suggests your plants will have plenty of nutrients to grow strong.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 38.1%
Silt: 31.7%
Clay: 7.0%
Loam

Soil pH

4.7pH
4.69182001126182
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Bennington County have?

Bennington County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 32% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Bennington County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Bennington County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.

What is the drainage class for Bennington County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Bennington County.

What crops or plants grow well in Bennington County's soil?

Based on Bennington County's Loam texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Bennington County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Bennington County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.