Dickenson County Soil Data
Dickenson County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
9.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Dickenson County, Virginia
The Nutrient-Rich Soil of Dickenson
Dickenson County features a pH of 5.33, slightly better than the state average but still acidic compared to the 6.5 national median. It earns an impressive soil score of 45.6, placing it among the most productive soils in the region.
Sandy Loam Texture for Growth
The soil contains 43.9% sand and 35.2% silt, creating a texture that allows for excellent root penetration. With a low clay content of only 10.7%, this soil avoids the drainage problems often found in heavier Appalachian clays.
Unrivaled Organic Matter Content
At 9.95%, Dickenson’s organic matter is nearly triple the state average and quintuple the national average. This incredible biological richness powers plant growth, even though the water capacity of 0.139 in/in is slightly below the state norm.
Managing High-Organic Water Flow
Specific drainage classes are not currently listed, but the extremely high organic matter acts like a sponge for rainfall. This characteristic helps prevent erosion on the county’s steep slopes while keeping nutrients available for forests.
Thriving in the 7a Mountains
Zone 7a gardeners in Dickenson have a massive advantage with such high natural fertility. This soil is ready-made for heirloom vegetables and fruit trees that crave a rich, carbon-heavy growing medium.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Dickenson County have?
Dickenson County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 35% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Dickenson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Dickenson County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Dickenson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Dickenson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Dickenson County's soil?
Based on Dickenson County's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Dickenson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Dickenson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Dickenson County
Soil Verdict
Dickenson 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
Dickenson County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Dickenson 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.