Fauquier County Soil Data
Fauquier County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Fauquier County, Virginia
Standard Virginia Acidity in the Foothills
Fauquier County displays an average pH of 5.19, aligning closely with the state average of 5.23. This acidic profile is much lower than the national median of 6.5, which is typical for the region's weathered landscapes. Specific taxonomic order data is not available, but the pH suggests a need for soil testing before planting.
Silt and Sand Driving Soil Texture
The soil contains 43.4% silt and 39.5% sand, creating a silty-sand balance with 17.1% clay. This composition prevents the soil from being too 'tight,' allowing for good root penetration and air exchange. It provides a stable foundation for the county's extensive agricultural and pastoral lands.
Superior Water Storage Potential
The organic matter content is 1.71%, which is lower than both the state average of 2.90% and the national 2.0% average. Despite this, the available water capacity is a robust 0.162 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.143 in/in. This high capacity is vital for sustaining the county's famed pastures during dry months.
Limited Data on Water Movement
Formal drainage class and hydrologic group classifications are not provided for this area. Based on the sand and silt percentages, the soil likely offers moderate drainage, but local topography will play a major role. Landowners should observe their fields after rain to identify any slow-draining pockets.
Hardiness Zone 7a Planting
Fauquier County sits in hardiness zone 7a, supporting a wide array of cool-season and warm-season crops. The soil’s water capacity makes it particularly good for hay, grapes, and deep-rooted perennials. Grab your tools and take advantage of these reliable foothills soils.
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 Fauquier County have?
Fauquier County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 43% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Fauquier County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Fauquier 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 Fauquier County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Fauquier County.
What crops or plants grow well in Fauquier County's soil?
Based on Fauquier County's 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 Fauquier County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Fauquier County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Fauquier 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.