Fredericksburg city Soil Data
Fredericksburg city, Virginia
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Fredericksburg city, Virginia
Acidic Entisols defined by young profiles
Fredericksburg's soil primarily consists of Entisols, which are young soils showing little development. With an average pH of 5.18, these soils are significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and fall slightly below the Virginia average of 5.23.
Sandy textures dominate the city landscape
The soil composition is 61.4% sand, which makes the ground easy to work and till. This high sand content, paired with just 11.6% clay, suggests that the soil is light but may struggle to hold onto nutrients over time.
Lower organic matter impacts growing potential
Organic matter sits at 1.53%, which is well below the state average of 2.90%. The available water capacity of 0.114 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark, requiring gardeners to focus on building soil health through composting.
Quick drainage through sandy city soils
While specific drainage classes are not recorded in this data, the 61.4% sand profile typically ensures water moves quickly through the earth. This helps prevent standing water but means the soil can dry out rapidly during hot Virginia summers.
Zone 7b supports acid-loving perennials
Gardeners in Fredericksburg's hardiness zone 7b can succeed with blueberries and azaleas that thrive in acidic conditions. Adding organic mulch will help compensate for the lower water capacity and support a productive home garden.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Fredericksburg city have?
Fredericksburg city's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 61% sand, 27% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Fredericksburg city's soil acidic or alkaline?
Fredericksburg city'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 Fredericksburg city?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Fredericksburg city.
What crops or plants grow well in Fredericksburg city's soil?
Based on Fredericksburg city's Sandy 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 Fredericksburg city?
Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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.