Grand Isle County Soil Data
Grand Isle County, Vermont
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Grand Isle County, Vermont
Vermont's Most Balanced pH Levels
Grand Isle has a pH of 5.89, which is the closest to the national median of 6.5 in the state. This makes it significantly less acidic than the Vermont state average of 4.86, favoring a wide variety of plants.
A Rich Silt and Clay Mix
The soil is a balanced mix of 41.7% sand, 41.6% silt, and 14.9% clay. This high silt and clay content helps the soil retain nutrients and moisture more effectively than sandier neighbors.
Stable Growth with Efficient Water Use
Organic matter is 7.26%, which is lower than the Vermont average of 29.01% but still triple the national average. The available water capacity is 0.174 in/in, providing a steady foundation for the local crops.
Island Soils for Orchards and Vines
The balanced texture suggests a versatile soil that isn't too sandy or too heavy. This stable base is excellent for the orchards and vineyards that are common throughout the island communities.
Fruit and Grapes in Zone 5a
The lake-influenced climate and Zone 5a make this an excellent spot for fruit trees and grapes. A soil score of 64.4 confirms that this is some of the most productive land in the state.
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 5.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Grand Isle County have?
Grand Isle County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 42% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Grand Isle County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Grand Isle County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Grand Isle County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Grand Isle County.
What crops or plants grow well in Grand Isle County's soil?
Based on Grand Isle County's Loam texture, pH of 5.9, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Grand Isle County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Grand Isle County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Grand Isle County
Soil Verdict
Grand Isle 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
Grand Isle 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 Grand Isle 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.