Caledonia County Soil Data
Caledonia County, Vermont
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
47.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Caledonia County, Vermont
Sharply Acidic Northern Soils
Caledonia’s pH of 4.51 is very acidic, sitting nearly two points below the national 6.5 median. This sharp acidity is even lower than the Vermont average of 4.86, defining the unique chemistry of this northern landscape.
Sandy Soils for Easy Tilling
The soil is relatively sandy at 38.4%, with a very low clay content of only 3.9%. This high-sand, low-clay profile means the soil drains quickly and is exceptionally easy to till in the early spring.
Vast Organic Matter for Resilient Growth
With 47.89% organic matter, the soil is incredibly rich compared to the 2.0% national average. The water capacity of 0.304 in/in is significantly higher than the state average, providing a great buffer for dry spells.
Quick Drainage in the Highlands
Low clay percentages suggest rapid drainage, ensuring the ground does not hold onto excess moisture for long periods. This is a significant advantage for preventing root rot in the damp Vermont climate.
Hardy Crops for a Shorter Season
Zone 4b brings a shorter growing season, but hardy crops like kale and potatoes thrive here. Use the county's strong 67.1 soil score to your advantage by planting cold-tolerant varieties.
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 4.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Caledonia County have?
Caledonia County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 23% silt, and 4% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Caledonia County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Caledonia County's soil has a low pH of 4.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Caledonia County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Caledonia County.
What crops or plants grow well in Caledonia County's soil?
Based on Caledonia County's Loam texture, pH of 4.5, 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 Caledonia County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Caledonia County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Caledonia County
Soil Verdict
Caledonia County is in USDA hardiness zone 4b, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -25°F. Soils here experience deep freeze cycles that can disrupt structure, kill shallow roots, and slow microbial activity for months each year.
Planting Guidance
Focus on cold-hardy perennials, native grasses, and conifers. The short growing window favors plants with low heat requirements. 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
Deep winter freezing can create soil heaving that pushes shallow-rooted plants out of the ground; add 3-4 inches of organic mulch each fall. Soil drainage is critical — frozen, waterlogged soil kills roots faster than cold alone. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Caledonia County is somewhat cooler than the Vermont statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Caledonia 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.