Charles City County Soil Data
Charles City County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Charles City County, Virginia
Low pH in Charles City
The county's average pH of 5.11 is more acidic than the state average of 5.23. It sits well below the national median of 6.5, making it a naturally challenging environment for acid-sensitive turf and crops.
A silty, sandy blend
The soil contains 52.9% sand and 33.5% silt, creating a medium texture that is easy to manage. A modest clay content of 13.6% provides just enough structure to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.
Solid organic foundation
Organic matter sits at 2.28%, exceeding the national 2.0% benchmark. This translates to an available water capacity of 0.138 in/in, which is slightly below the Virginia average but sufficient for most native plants.
Natural water movement
Specific drainage class data is not available for this county in the primary dataset. Given the sand and silt levels, the soil likely experiences moderate drainage speeds suitable for a variety of land uses.
Flourishing in Zone 7b
Hardiness Zone 7b offers a long, warm season for Charles City residents. This soil and climate combo is perfect for growing robust tomatoes and peppers—just remember to monitor your soil pH.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Charles City County have?
Charles City County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 53% sand, 34% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Charles City County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Charles City County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Charles City County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Charles City County.
What crops or plants grow well in Charles City County's soil?
Based on Charles City County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Charles City County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Charles City County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Charles City 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.