Caroline County Soil Data
Caroline County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Caroline County, Virginia
Highly acidic sandy profiles
The soil in Caroline County has an average pH of 5.29, sitting just above the state average of 5.23. This is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring careful management for pH-sensitive plants.
Dominated by sand and silt
At 63.5% sand, these soils are the sandiest in the region, promoting rapid drainage and easy tilling. However, the low 11.0% clay content means the soil may struggle to hold onto essential fertilizers during heavy rains.
Healthy organic levels
Organic matter content is 2.32%, which is higher than the national average of 2.0%. While better than many neighbors, it still falls short of the Virginia state average of 2.90%, limiting the available water capacity to 0.117 in/in.
Rapid drainage and hydrology
While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high sand content implies a very well-drained landscape. This makes the soil excellent for building foundations but may require more frequent irrigation for thirsty crops.
Zone 7b gardening success
The warm 7b climate allows for a variety of perennial herbs and long-season fruits. Take advantage of the sandy texture by planting root vegetables like carrots and parsnips that can expand easily in loose soil.
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: Sandy 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 Caroline County have?
Caroline County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 63% sand, 25% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Caroline County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Caroline 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 Caroline County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Caroline County.
What crops or plants grow well in Caroline County's soil?
Based on Caroline County's Sandy 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 Caroline County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Caroline County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Caroline County
Soil Verdict
Caroline 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
Caroline County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Caroline 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.