Bland County Soil Data
Bland County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bland County, Virginia
Slightly sweet for the region
Bland County features a pH of 5.26, making it slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.23. While it still trends below the national 6.5 median, this profile is favorable for regional agriculture. The soil reflects the complex geology of the Ridge and Valley province.
Silt and sand create stability
The soil is a silty mix, containing 41.4% silt and 34.2% sand. Clay makes up a moderate 16.9%, providing enough binding power to hold nutrients without hindering drainage. This composition offers a stable base for both farming and construction projects.
Vibrant and rich organic content
Bland County boasts an impressive 5.85% organic matter, more than double the state average of 2.90%. This high fertility is paired with an available water capacity of 0.143 in/in, which exactly matches the Virginia average. This combination indicates a very healthy soil ecosystem capable of supporting intense plant growth.
Superior soil quality scores
The county earns a high soil score of 41.6, far outperforming the state average of 30.6. The balanced silt and sand levels suggest steady hydrological performance with minimal runoff risk. This high score reflects a landscape with naturally high productivity and good drainage characteristics.
A gardener's dream in 6b
Bland's 5.85% organic matter makes it one of the most fertile areas in Virginia for Zone 6b gardening. Brassicas, leafy greens, and hardy perennials will thrive here with very little supplemental fertilizer. The rich soil is ready for anyone looking to start a productive homestead 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 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bland County have?
Bland County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 41% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bland County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Bland County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bland County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bland County's soil?
Based on Bland County's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Bland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Bland County
Soil Verdict
Bland 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
Bland 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 Bland 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.