Culpeper County Soil Data
Culpeper County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Culpeper County, Virginia
Culpeper's Acidic Silt Dominance
Culpeper County has a pH level of 5.08, which is the most acidic in this group and far below the national 6.5 median. Its soil score of 29.5 sits right near the state average of 30.6, indicating typical Piedmont growing conditions.
Silt-Heavy Soils with Strong Structure
With a high silt content of 46.5%, this soil feels velvety and offers significant nutrient storage potential. The 36.8% sand and 16.7% clay mix provides a solid framework that resists compaction better than clay-heavy soils.
Top-Tier Water Storage Capacity
Culpeper boasts a high available water capacity of 0.166 in/in, significantly outperforming the state average of 0.143. Organic matter is 1.87%, which is slightly below the national 2.0% average but provides a good base for improvement.
Predicting Moisture in Silt Soils
The specific drainage class is currently unclassified in central data, but high silt levels generally indicate moderate drainage. This profile makes the county well-suited for a variety of agricultural uses provided water is managed during wet seasons.
Piedmont Planting in Zone 7a
The 7a climate is excellent for everything from grapes to grain crops. With the county's superior water-holding ability, your garden will stay hydrated even during the dry spells of late summer.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Culpeper County have?
Culpeper County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 46% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Culpeper County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Culpeper 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 Culpeper County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Culpeper County.
What crops or plants grow well in Culpeper County's soil?
Based on Culpeper County's 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 Culpeper County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Culpeper County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Culpeper 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.