Franklin County Soil Data
Franklin County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Franklin County, Virginia
Typical Piedmont Acidity and Structure
Franklin County's soil score of 30.3 is almost identical to the Virginia state average of 30.6. The average pH of 5.20 is also very close to the state average of 5.23, though it remains significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median. Taxonomic data is not provided, but these metrics reflect a classic Piedmont profile.
High Sand Content for Better Drainage
This county features 48.3% sand, which is the highest sand percentage in this regional group. Combined with 36.0% silt and 15.7% clay, this creates a gritty texture that is very easy to cultivate. The low clay percentage ensures that the soil does not become overly waterlogged or difficult to break up.
Solid Performance for Local Farming
Organic matter is 2.43%, which sits comfortably above the national average of 2.0% but below the state average of 2.90%. The available water capacity of 0.144 in/in is slightly higher than the state average of 0.143 in/in. These numbers indicate a stable foundation for both pastures and diverse home gardens.
Managing Water in Sandy Ground
Official drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for Franklin County. The high sand content suggests that water moves through the profile relatively quickly, which helps prevent root rot but may require more frequent watering. Local gardeners should prioritize organic mulches to slow down evaporation.
A Zone 7b Growing Season
In hardiness zone 7b, Franklin County gardeners enjoy a long growing season that favors heat-loving crops like corn and beans. The sand-heavy soil is excellent for root crops that need space to expand without resistance. It is a great time to start a garden and enjoy the high workability of your local earth.
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 Franklin County have?
Franklin County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 48% sand, 36% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Franklin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Franklin 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 Franklin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Franklin County.
What crops or plants grow well in Franklin County's soil?
Based on Franklin 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 Franklin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Franklin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Franklin 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.