Goochland County Soil Data
Goochland County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Goochland County, Virginia
Classic Piedmont acidity across the county
Goochland County soils show an average pH of 5.29, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 5.23. However, it still falls well below the national median of 6.5, indicating a need for soil amendments in many agricultural applications.
Sand-heavy mix with moderate clay
The soil consists of 57.8% sand and 16.4% clay, providing a texture that balances workability with some structural stability. This mix is generally well-suited for a variety of building and farming activities in the Piedmont region.
Lower organic matter requires active management
The organic matter content is just 1.46%, roughly half of the Virginia average of 2.90%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.138 in/in remains close to the state average, suggesting the soil can still hold moisture effectively.
Functional drainage for diverse land use
While specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the 57.8% sand content ensures that water does not sit on the surface for long. This characteristic makes the land generally favorable for both residential construction and diverse crop rotations.
Establish your garden in zone 7a
Goochland's zone 7a climate is perfect for tomatoes, squash, and beans once the soil acidity is addressed. Incorporating compost will help boost the low organic matter and turn this land into a flourishing 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
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 Goochland County have?
Goochland County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 58% sand, 26% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Goochland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Goochland 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 Goochland County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Goochland County.
What crops or plants grow well in Goochland County's soil?
Based on Goochland County's Sandy 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 Goochland County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Goochland County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Goochland County
Soil Verdict
Goochland 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
Goochland County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Goochland 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.