Bath County Soil Data
Bath County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bath County, Virginia
Strongly acidic profiles in Bath
Bath County features one of the more acidic soil profiles in the region with an average pH of 4.96. This is significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.23 and the national benchmark of 6.5. This high acidity levels suggest a forest-influenced landscape that naturally favors acid-loving vegetation.
Silt leads the textural blend
The soil composition is dominated by 40.0% silt and 39.1% sand, creating a medium-textured ground. Clay remains relatively low at 17.0%, which helps prevent the soil from becoming overly sticky or difficult to plow. This silt-heavy mix allows for decent root penetration while maintaining soil structure.
Exceptional organic matter levels
Bath County's soil contains 4.04% organic matter, nearly double the national average of 2.0% and far exceeding Virginia's 2.90%. This fertility is paired with an available water capacity of 0.146 in/in, which beats the state average. These numbers indicate a soil that is highly capable of supporting robust plant growth and retaining vital nutrients.
High scores for moisture management
The county earns a soil score of 34.3, comfortably surpassing the state average of 30.6. Though specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high organic matter and silt content suggest excellent natural filtration and hydration. The soil's ability to hold more water than the state average makes it resilient during dry spells.
Cool climate gardening in Zone 6b
Bath's 6b hardiness zone and rich organic matter are perfect for berries, rhododendrons, and mountain-hardy perennials. The naturally acidic soil is an asset for blueberries and evergreens. Residents can take advantage of this superior fertility to establish lush, resilient gardens.
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 5.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bath County have?
Bath County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 40% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bath County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bath 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 Bath County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bath County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bath County's soil?
Based on Bath 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 Bath County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bath County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Bath County
Soil Verdict
Bath County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°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. 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
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
Bath County is somewhat cooler than the Virginia statewide average. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bath 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.