Botetourt County Soil Data
Botetourt County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Botetourt County, Virginia
Typical Valley and Ridge acidity
Botetourt's soil pH averages 5.31, placing it slightly above the state average of 5.23. While it is more alkaline than many neighbors, it remains well below the national median of 6.5. This acidity level is manageable for most local forage and timber species.
A balanced sandy-silt texture
The county's soil composition is 40.4% sand and 38.8% silt, creating a versatile texture. With clay at 19.0%, this soil has slightly more body and nutrient-holding capacity than sandier coastal regions. This mix provides excellent workability for local farmers and landscapers.
Strong water and nutrient storage
Botetourt features an available water capacity of 0.150 in/in, exceeding the state average of 0.143. Its organic matter content of 3.20% is also higher than the state average of 2.90%. These figures point to a soil that can sustain crops through short dry periods effectively.
Reliable and high-performing ground
Botetourt earns a respectable soil score of 38.8, well above the state benchmark of 30.6. The combination of high water capacity and solid organic matter suggests reliable drainage and consistent plant hydration. This makes the county particularly suitable for diverse agricultural uses.
Prime conditions in Zone 7b
Zone 7b's mild climate and Botetourt's superior water capacity are perfect for fruit trees and perennial vegetables. Asparagus and strawberries will flourish in these well-structured soils. The higher-than-average fertility makes this an ideal time to expand your 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Botetourt County have?
Botetourt County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 39% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Botetourt County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Botetourt 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 Botetourt County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Botetourt County.
What crops or plants grow well in Botetourt County's soil?
Based on Botetourt 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 Botetourt County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Botetourt 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.