Buchanan County Soil Data
Buchanan County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Buchanan County
Soil Verdict
Buchanan County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°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. 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
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. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Buchanan County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions. 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 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.