Carroll County Soil Data
Carroll County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Carroll County, Virginia
Consistent acidic soil baseline
Carroll County maintains a pH of 5.25, which mirrors the Virginia state average of 5.23. Like much of the state, it is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5.
Balanced and versatile mix
The soil composition is a balanced 46.5% sand and 37.6% silt, providing a sturdy structure for roots. With 16.0% clay, this mix retains moisture better than sandier neighbors while remaining workable for home gardeners.
Superior water retention
The organic matter content is 2.15%, beating the national average of 2.0%. This supports an available water capacity of 0.156 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.143, offering excellent drought resistance.
Stable hydrologic properties
The specific drainage class and taxonomic order are not defined in the current survey. However, the higher water capacity suggests these soils hold moisture effectively without becoming immediately saturated.
Abundance in Zone 7a
Carroll's 7a hardiness zone is ideal for apple orchards and berries. The high water capacity of your soil makes this an excellent place to start a high-yield fruit or vegetable patch.
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 Carroll County have?
Carroll County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 46% sand, 38% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Carroll County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Carroll 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 Carroll County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Carroll County.
What crops or plants grow well in Carroll County's soil?
Based on Carroll 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 Carroll County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Carroll County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Carroll County
Soil Verdict
Carroll 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
Carroll County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Carroll 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.