Grayson County Soil Data

Grayson County, Virginia

Avg pH

5.3

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

5.4%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Grayson County, Virginia

Typical mountain acidity with high quality

Grayson County has an average soil pH of 5.25, which closely mirrors the Virginia state average of 5.23. Though more acidic than the national median of 6.5, this soil earns a high score of 46.9, far exceeding the state average of 30.6.

Loamy textures with excellent silt balance

The soil contains 46.6% sand and a high 37.9% silt content, creating a rich texture for plant roots. With 14.5% clay, the composition is ideal for retaining nutrients while still allowing for adequate aeration.

Exceptional organic matter leads the state

Grayson County boasts a remarkable 5.37% organic matter content, nearly double the state average of 2.90%. This rich material, combined with a high water capacity of 0.165 in/in, makes this some of the most fertile ground in the region.

Superior water holding for lush landscapes

The high silt and organic matter levels indicate that these soils are excellent at managing moisture without becoming waterlogged. This natural hydration supports the county's famous pastures and vibrant forest ecosystems year-round.

Zone 7a is a gardener's paradise

With such high organic matter, your soil is already prepared for success with heavy feeders like corn and pumpkins. Grayson's climate and superior soil score make it one of the best places in Virginia to start a homestead.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 46.6%
Silt: 37.9%
Clay: 14.5%
Loam

Soil pH

5.3pH
5.2536144302552
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Grayson County have?

Grayson County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 47% sand, 38% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Grayson County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Grayson 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 Grayson County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Grayson County.

What crops or plants grow well in Grayson County's soil?

Based on Grayson County's 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 Grayson County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Grayson County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.