Rutland County Soil Data
Rutland County, Vermont
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
21.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Rutland County, Vermont
Acidic Foundations in Rutland
Rutland County soil maintains a pH of 4.97, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 4.86 but still very acidic compared to the 6.5 national median. This acidity is typical for the region's complex geology. Most local gardening will require lime amendments for traditional vegetable crops.
A Balanced Silt and Sand Base
The soil contains a balanced mix of 38.8% sand and 33.3% silt. With 8.6% clay, this soil has slightly more body and nutrient-holding capacity than its northern neighbors. This composition offers a good compromise between easy workability and structural integrity.
Strong Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter in Rutland stands at 21.64%, significantly outperforming the 2.0% national average. However, its available water capacity of 0.198 in/in is lower than the 0.235 in/in state average. This means that while the soil is nutrient-dense, it may dry out faster than other Vermont soils.
Observing Local Water Flow
Specific drainage and hydrologic group classifications are currently unavailable for this area. Given the balanced silt and sand levels, gardeners should watch for surface crusting during dry spells and moderate runoff during heavy rains. Always check local site conditions before planning major drainage projects.
Hardy Growing in Zone 5a
Hardiness zone 5a supports a wide range of New England favorites like apples and hardy herbs. The soil score of 61.8 indicates a reliable environment for both small-scale gardens and larger farms. Focus on crops that tolerate acidic conditions to make the most of Rutland's natural soil.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Rutland County have?
Rutland County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 33% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Rutland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Rutland County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Rutland County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Rutland County.
What crops or plants grow well in Rutland County's soil?
Based on Rutland County's Loam texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Rutland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Rutland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Rutland 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.