Brunswick County Soil Data
Brunswick County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Brunswick County, Virginia
Classic Piedmont acidic soils
Brunswick County's soil pH averages 5.31, slightly higher than the state average of 5.23 but still acidic compared to the national 6.5. This chemistry is typical for the southern Virginia Piedmont region. It reflects a long period of mineral weathering and nutrient cycling.
High sand content aids drainage
The county's soil is notably sandy, with sand making up 51.6% of the mix. Silt at 31.5% and clay at 16.9% complete the texture, resulting in a loose, friable soil. This composition allows for excellent aeration but may require frequent irrigation during peak summer heat.
Low organic matter requires care
Brunswick's organic matter content is low at 1.43%, well below the Virginia average of 2.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.141 in/in is nearly on par with the state's 0.143 benchmark. Increasing organic inputs will be critical for any intensive agricultural or gardening efforts.
Lower soil scores but fast drainage
Brunswick has a soil score of 21.6, which is lower than the state average of 30.6. The high sand percentage ensures that water drains away quickly, preventing soggy roots after heavy rains. This makes the soil easy to work shortly after a storm, though it retains fewer nutrients over time.
Warm weather crops in Zone 7b
The 7b hardiness zone and sandy soil are perfect for peanuts, cotton, and sweet potatoes. These crops thrive in the well-drained, light soils found across Brunswick County. With a little compost, your backyard garden can produce an abundance of summer favorites.
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 Brunswick County have?
Brunswick County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 52% sand, 32% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Brunswick County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Brunswick 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 Brunswick County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Brunswick County.
What crops or plants grow well in Brunswick County's soil?
Based on Brunswick 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 Brunswick County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Brunswick County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Brunswick County
Soil Verdict
Brunswick County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Brunswick County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Brunswick 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.