Cumberland County Soil Data
Cumberland County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.7
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cumberland County, Virginia
Cumberland's Sandy Coastal Plain Influence
Cumberland’s pH of 5.66 is actually less acidic than the state average of 5.23, though it still falls below the national 6.5 median. The soil score of 29.0 is very close to the Virginia average, reflecting a stable agricultural base.
High Sand and Easy Workability
Composed of 61.6% sand and 23.9% silt, this soil is exceptionally easy to dig and cultivate. The 14.5% clay content is relatively low, which prevents the ground from becoming heavy or waterlogged after heavy rain.
Consistent Water for Sandy Earth
Available water capacity sits at 0.142 in/in, which matches the state average almost exactly. However, the organic matter is low at 1.43%, meaning the soil requires regular amendments to stay fertile for demanding crops.
Natural Drainage and Management
While specific hydrologic data is not provided, the high sand percentage suggests rapid infiltration and low runoff risk. This makes it a great candidate for low-impact development and gardening that requires well-aerated roots.
Starting Strong in Zone 7a
Cumberland’s 7a zone is perfect for starting a home orchard or a vegetable patch. Focus on adding leaf mold or compost to boost that organic matter and take advantage of the county's respectable water capacity.
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 5.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cumberland County have?
Cumberland County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 62% sand, 24% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cumberland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cumberland County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Cumberland County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cumberland County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cumberland County's soil?
Based on Cumberland County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.7, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Cumberland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cumberland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Cumberland County
Soil Verdict
Cumberland 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
Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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.