Charlotte County Soil Data
Charlotte County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Charlotte County, Virginia
Mildly acidic Piedmont soils
Charlotte County's soil pH of 5.43 is one of the highest in the region, beating the state average of 5.23. However, it still requires amendments to reach the national median pH of 6.5 preferred by many garden plants.
Gritty and clay-rich
The soil is comprised of 54.8% sand and a notable 16.8% clay. This relatively high clay percentage helps the soil hold onto nutrients and minerals better than many of the sandier coastal counties.
Low organic matter challenges
With only 1.26% organic matter, Charlotte County trails the state average of 2.90% significantly. This results in a water capacity of 0.138 in/in, suggesting that adding compost is vital for healthy plant growth.
Moderate water capacity
No dominant drainage class is officially recorded for the county. The clay content suggests a moderate hydrologic response, meaning the ground will hold moisture but may drain slowly after heavy storms.
Productive Zone 7b summers
The 7b hardiness zone provides ample heat for corn and beans. Improve your 1.26% organic matter with mulch and organic fertilizer, and you will see your garden thrive.
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 Charlotte County have?
Charlotte County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 28% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Charlotte County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Charlotte County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Charlotte County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Charlotte County.
What crops or plants grow well in Charlotte County's soil?
Based on Charlotte County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Charlotte County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Charlotte County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Charlotte 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.