Chittenden County Soil Data
Chittenden County, Vermont
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
11.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Chittenden County, Vermont
Milder Acidity in Chittenden's Soil
Chittenden features a pH of 5.41, which is acidic compared to the 6.5 national median but notably higher than the Vermont average of 4.86. This makes it one of the more balanced soils in the state for agricultural use.
Sandy Texture Warms Quickly
A high sand content of 47.2% dominates the profile, balanced by 10.0% clay. This mix allows for excellent drainage and rapid warming in the spring, though it may require more frequent watering than silty soils.
Productive Land with Moderate Retention
Organic matter stands at 11.85%, which is high nationally but lower than Vermont’s 29.01% average. The water capacity of 0.170 in/in is also below the state average, requiring attentive irrigation during dry spells.
Versatile Grounds for Urban Growth
The sand-heavy texture prevents pooling and swampy conditions despite the lack of specific drainage class data. This makes Chittenden's soil a versatile choice for both suburban landscaping and commercial farming.
Diverse Potential in Zone 5a
Hardiness Zone 5a supports a wide range of vegetables, from peppers to pumpkins. With its 57.4 soil score, this county is a solid place to establish a productive and diverse home garden.
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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Chittenden County have?
Chittenden County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 47% sand, 31% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Chittenden County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Chittenden County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Chittenden County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Chittenden County.
What crops or plants grow well in Chittenden County's soil?
Based on Chittenden County's Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Chittenden County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Chittenden County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Chittenden County
Soil Verdict
Chittenden 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
Chittenden 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 Chittenden 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.