Alleghany County Soil Data
Alleghany County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Alleghany County, Virginia
Mountain Soils with High Scores
Alleghany County features an average pH of 5.12, trailing both the state average of 5.23 and the national median of 6.5. Despite this acidity, the county achieves an impressive soil score of 38.5, well above the Virginia average of 30.6. This indicates high-quality natural characteristics that support healthy mountain ecosystems.
Balanced Silt and Sand Mix
The soil is a complex blend of 39.9% silt and 38.3% sand, with clay making up the remaining 17.3%. This nearly equal split of silt and sand creates a soil that is both easy to work and stable enough for construction and farming. The clay content ensures that nutrients are held within the root zone rather than washing away.
Exceptional Organic Wealth
With a high organic matter content of 4.49%, Alleghany far exceeds the state average of 2.90% and more than doubles the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is also strong at 0.150 in/in, outperforming the state's 0.143 benchmark. This combination of rich nutrients and high moisture retention makes for highly productive land.
Stable Moisture in High Terrain
Specific drainage classes are not recorded, but the high organic matter and balanced texture suggest a soil that manages water efficiently. It likely resists the drought conditions that plague sandier counties while avoiding the waterlogging common in clay-heavy areas. The high silt content helps water move through the profile at a steady, predictable rate.
Cold-Hardy Crops in Zone 7a
Alleghany's 7a hardiness zone and high organic matter are perfect for cool-weather vegetables like kale and potatoes. The rich mountain soil also supports robust forest growth and native flowering shrubs. If you live here, your soil is already ahead of the curve, providing a fantastic head start for any 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 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Alleghany County have?
Alleghany County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 40% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Alleghany County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Alleghany County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Alleghany County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Alleghany County.
What crops or plants grow well in Alleghany County's soil?
Based on Alleghany County's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Alleghany County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Alleghany County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Alleghany County
Soil Verdict
Alleghany County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Alleghany County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Alleghany County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Virginia
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.