Buckingham County Soil Data
Buckingham County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Buckingham County, Virginia
Buckingham's acidic soil profile
The county's soil features an average pH of 5.31, which is slightly higher than the Virginia state average of 5.23. While it beats the state mark, it remains significantly more acidic than the national median pH of 6.5.
A sandy, workable mix
With 50.5% sand and 32.1% silt, this soil offers easy workability for local farmers. The relatively low clay content of 15.4% suggests good initial drainage but limited long-term nutrient storage.
Bridging the fertility gap
The soil's organic matter stands at 1.47%, trailing both the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 2.90%. Despite lower organic levels, the available water capacity of 0.144 in/in aligns perfectly with state benchmarks for crop resilience.
Drainage data and hydrology
Current datasets do not specify a dominant drainage class or taxonomic order for this specific region. Landowners should perform site-specific perk tests before starting major construction or complex irrigation projects.
Growing in Zone 7a
Buckingham sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, a region where cool-weather greens and summer staples like squash thrive. Gardeners should consider adding lime to balance the acidity and boost vegetable yields.
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 Buckingham County have?
Buckingham County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 51% sand, 32% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Buckingham County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Buckingham 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 Buckingham County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Buckingham County.
What crops or plants grow well in Buckingham County's soil?
Based on Buckingham 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 Buckingham County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Buckingham County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Buckingham 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.