Amherst County Soil Data
Amherst County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Amherst County, Virginia
Predictable Silt-Heavy Mountain Soils
Amherst County's soil pH is 5.17, which is very close to the state average of 5.23 but far below the national median of 6.5. The overall soil score of 27.3 is just under the state average of 30.6, indicating a fairly typical Virginia landscape. These soils are shaped by the county's elevation and proximity to the Blue Ridge.
Silt and Sand in Balance
The soil is comprised of 43.0% silt, 38.9% sand, and 17.1% clay, creating a texture that holds moisture well without being too heavy. This high silt percentage gives the soil a silky feel and provides a stable environment for plant roots. It offers a good middle ground for both farming and construction activities.
Superior Water Holding Potential
The organic matter content is 1.74%, which is lower than the state's 2.90% and the national 2.0%. Despite this, Amherst shines in available water capacity at 0.156 in/in, which is significantly better than the state average of 0.143. This allows the soil to act as a reliable reservoir for plants during the drier summer months.
Slow and Steady Water Movement
While specific drainage data is unavailable, the high silt and clay combination suggests the soil does not dry out as fast as sandy coastal soils. This steady moisture profile is excellent for established trees and deep-rooted perennials but requires monitoring for surface crusting. Active management of the soil surface will help maximize its natural water-holding strengths.
Vibrant Orchards in Zone 7b
Amherst is located in Zone 7b, where the high water capacity supports fruit trees and hardy native shrubs beautifully. The soil's silty texture is an asset for everything from small-scale vegetables to large ornamental landscapes. Adding organic amendments like leaf mold will help bridge the gap in nutrient 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Amherst County have?
Amherst County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 43% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Amherst County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Amherst County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Amherst County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Amherst County.
What crops or plants grow well in Amherst County's soil?
Based on Amherst County's Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Amherst County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Amherst County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Amherst 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.