Lamoille County Soil Data
Lamoille County, Vermont
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
30.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lamoille County, Vermont
Rugged and Acidic Forest Soils
Lamoille’s soil is acidic with a pH of 4.51, well below the national median of 6.5 and lower than the state average of 4.86. This acidity reflects the county's rugged and forest-rich landscape.
Gritty Texture Resists Compaction
The soil contains 40.7% sand and 27.2% silt, with a relatively low 5.3% clay content. This leads to a gritty texture that resists compaction and stays manageable even during the wet shoulder seasons.
Strong Organic Matter Content
The organic matter is high at 30.89%, just edging out the state average of 29.01%. With a water capacity of 0.239 in/in, it aligns perfectly with the Vermont state benchmark for moisture retention.
Soil Built for Woodland Agriculture
The low clay content suggests water moves through the profile easily, which is ideal for native flora. This makes it a good candidate for raised-bed gardening or sustainable woodland agriculture.
Berry Patch Potential in Zone 5a
Zone 5a gardeners find success with acid-loving crops like strawberries and raspberries. The county’s soil score of 66.0 is strong, indicating high potential for those who manage the acidity levels.
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 Lamoille County have?
Lamoille County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 27% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lamoille County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lamoille 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 Lamoille County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lamoille County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lamoille County's soil?
Based on Lamoille 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 Lamoille County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lamoille County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lamoille County
Soil Verdict
Lamoille 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
Lamoille County closely matches the Vermont average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 4b-5a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lamoille 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.