Amelia County Soil Data
Amelia County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Amelia County, Virginia
Acidic and Sandy Piedmont Plains
Amelia's soil pH is quite low at 5.03, falling below the Virginia average of 5.23 and well under the national median of 6.5. The county's overall soil score of 17.4 is lower than the state average, suggesting the land requires careful management to be productive. These acidic conditions are typical of the weathered soils found across the Virginia Piedmont.
Sandy Dominance with Clay Texture
Sand dominates the soil here at 59.5%, while silt accounts for 25.3% and clay for 15.2%. This high sand percentage makes the soil feel gritty and allows for rapid water infiltration but can lead to lower nutrient stability. The moderate clay content provides enough structure to prevent the soil from becoming purely granular.
Strong Hydration Despite Low Nutrients
Organic matter in Amelia is low at 1.34%, which is less than half the state average of 2.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.150 in/in actually exceeds the state average of 0.143. This means the soil is surprisingly good at holding moisture for plants, even if it lacks high natural nutrient levels.
Rapid Infiltration and Moisture Management
While drainage class data is missing, the nearly 60% sand content indicates that the soil drains quickly after heavy rain. This prevents root rot but may require more frequent fertilization, as water can carry nutrients deep into the ground. Gardeners should use mulch to help preserve the moisture that the silty-clay components try to hold.
Berries and Acid-Lovers in 7b
Amelia sits in Hardiness Zone 7b, where blueberries and azaleas will thrive in the naturally acidic, moisture-retentive soil. Vegetable gardeners should consider adding lime to raise the pH and compost to boost the low organic matter. With these simple steps, your sandy-loam soil can become a flourishing oasis.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Amelia County have?
Amelia County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 60% sand, 25% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Amelia County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Amelia 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 Amelia County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Amelia County.
What crops or plants grow well in Amelia County's soil?
Based on Amelia County's Sandy 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 Amelia County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Amelia County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Amelia 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.