Falls Church city Soil Data
Falls Church city, Virginia
Avg pH
5.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Falls Church city, Virginia
Acidic Loams in the Little City
Falls Church features Entisols with a dominant loam texture and an average pH of 5.89. This is significantly less acidic than the Virginia state average of 5.23, making it friendlier for a wider variety of plants. It still leans more acidic than the national median of 6.5, a common trait for Mid-Atlantic urban soils.
A Versatile Mix of Silt and Sand
The soil composition is almost perfectly split between silt at 41.2% and sand at 40.0%, with 18.8% clay. This balanced loam texture offers excellent workability for home gardeners and professional landscapers alike. The sand content ensures the soil doesn't become overly heavy or sticky when wet.
Excellent Water Holding Capacity
Organic matter is relatively low at 1.52%, trailing the state average of 2.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.164 in/in is quite high compared to the state average of 0.143 in/in. This allows the soil to act as an efficient sponge, keeping your garden hydrated even with lower organic levels.
Healthy Drainage for Urban Plots
The soil is officially well-drained, ensuring that excess water moves away from plant roots efficiently. It falls into hydrologic group C, which indicates moderate to high runoff potential during intense storms. This makes proper grading and rain gardens important considerations for Falls Church residents.
Zone 7b Gardening Opportunities
Located in hardiness zone 7b, Falls Church is perfect for long-season crops and diverse perennials. The well-drained loam supports a wide range of fruit trees and flowering shrubs. Your city lot is primed for a high-performing garden, especially if you boost the organic matter.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Falls Church city have?
Falls Church city's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 41% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Falls Church city's soil acidic or alkaline?
Falls Church city's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Falls Church city?
Falls Church city has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Falls Church city's soil?
Based on Falls Church city's Loam texture, pH of 5.9, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Falls Church city?
Falls Church city's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Falls Church city 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.