Bedford County Soil Data
Bedford County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bedford County, Virginia
Bedford matches the state average
Bedford County's soil pH sits exactly at the Virginia average of 5.23, though it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This typical Piedmont profile reflects a long history of weathering. While taxonomic data is limited, the chemical signature indicates a classic regional soil identity.
A sand-dominant soil structure
The county's soil is primarily composed of sand at 56.0%, much higher than its neighbors. With silt at 28.5% and clay at 15.5%, the ground is light and easily workable. This high sand content ensures that the soil warms up quickly in the spring, allowing for an early start to the growing season.
Low organic matter challenges growers
Bedford's organic matter stands at 1.74%, which is significantly lower than the state average of 2.90% and the national 2.0%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.140 in/in remains close to the state benchmark of 0.143. Gardeners will likely need to supplement the soil with compost to boost productivity.
Fast drainage across the county
With a soil score of 23.7, Bedford falls below the state average of 30.6, largely due to its low organic levels. The 56% sand content suggests rapid drainage, which is excellent for preventing root rot but can lead to nutrient leaching. Local management should focus on building soil structure to improve its overall rating.
Extended seasons in Zone 7b
In hardiness zone 7b, Bedford offers a long growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and melons. The sandy texture is ideal for root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. Adding organic amendments will help these heat-loving crops thrive in the local 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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bedford County have?
Bedford County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 56% sand, 28% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bedford County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bedford 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 Bedford County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bedford County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bedford County's soil?
Based on Bedford County's Sandy 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 Bedford County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bedford County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.