Buchanan County Soil Data
Buchanan County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
11.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Buchanan County, Virginia
Moderately acidic mountain soils
Buchanan County's soil pH stands at 5.34, which is the highest in this group and above the state average of 5.23. It remains lower than the national median of 6.5, suggesting a moderately acidic environment. This profile supports the diverse hardwood forests common in the Appalachian Plateau.
Light and silty textures
The soil contains 43.1% sand and 31.9% silt, with a very low clay content of 11.5%. This lack of clay makes the soil exceptionally light and prevents the 'heavy' feel found in other parts of the state. It is a highly workable soil that resists the clumping and crusting common in clay-heavy regions.
Extraordinary organic matter content
Buchanan leads the region with a massive 11.38% organic matter, nearly four times the state average of 2.90%. Surprisingly, its available water capacity is slightly lower than average at 0.134 in/in. This suggests a soil that is incredibly rich in nutrients but may drain faster than its dark color implies.
Top-tier soil quality score
Buchanan County earns an impressive soil score of 45.3, the highest among its neighbors and far above the state's 30.6. The combination of high organic matter and low clay ensures excellent drainage and biological activity. This score highlights the unique productive potential of these mountain soils.
High-fertility gardening in 7a
With over 11% organic matter, Buchanan is a powerhouse for growing heavy feeders like corn and pumpkins in Zone 7a. The soil's natural richness means you can grow spectacular vegetables with minimal additives. Start a garden today to take advantage of this world-class organic foundation.
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 Buchanan County have?
Buchanan County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 43% sand, 32% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Buchanan County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Buchanan 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 Buchanan County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Buchanan County.
What crops or plants grow well in Buchanan County's soil?
Based on Buchanan 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 Buchanan County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Buchanan County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Buchanan 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.