Chesterfield County Soil Data
Chesterfield County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Chesterfield County, Virginia
Chesterfield's Acidic Ground Profile
Chesterfield's soil sits at a pH of 5.17, which is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While local taxonomic and texture data are limited, the county's overall soil score of 14.0 suggests a landscape that requires careful management compared to the state average of 30.6.
A Sandy Foundation with Quick Drainage
The soil is dominated by 63.4% sand, balanced with 23.0% silt and 13.6% clay. This high sand content ensures the earth is easy to work and drains rapidly, though it may struggle to retain vital nutrients for long periods.
Bridging the Organic Matter Gap
Organic matter measures 1.47%, falling short of the 2.0% national average and the 2.90% state benchmark. With an available water capacity of 0.124 in/in, this soil holds less moisture for plants than the average Virginia soil.
Managing Water in Sandy Terrain
While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unlisted, the high sand percentage implies a naturally well-draining profile. Builders and gardeners should prepare for soil that dries out quickly between rain events.
Resilient Planting in Zone 7b
Hardiness zone 7b supports a long growing season for heat-loving crops like peppers and tomatoes. Gardeners can overcome the low organic matter by incorporating compost to build a thriving, productive harvest.
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 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Chesterfield County have?
Chesterfield County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 63% sand, 23% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Chesterfield County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Chesterfield County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Chesterfield County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Chesterfield County.
What crops or plants grow well in Chesterfield County's soil?
Based on Chesterfield County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Chesterfield County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Chesterfield County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Chesterfield County
Soil Verdict
Chesterfield 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
Chesterfield County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Chesterfield 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.