Bennington County Soil Data
Bennington County, Vermont
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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 4.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Bennington County
Soil Verdict
Bennington 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
Bennington County closely matches the Vermont average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 5a-5b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bennington 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.