Halifax County Soil Data
Halifax County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Halifax County, Virginia
Milder acidity in Southside Virginia
Halifax County soils have an average pH of 5.64, which is notably less acidic than the Virginia state average of 5.23. While still below the national median of 6.5, this higher pH makes it more hospitable for a wider range of traditional crops.
Evenly distributed sand and silt mix
The soil composition is 49.4% sand and 34.6% silt, creating a versatile medium for agriculture. With 16.0% clay, the soil has enough body to retain nutrients without becoming overly heavy or difficult to plow.
High water capacity offsets low organic matter
While organic matter is low at 1.48%, the soil excels in moisture retention with an available water capacity of 0.152 in/in. This exceeds the state average and helps protect crops during the warmer periods of the growing season.
Reliable hydrology for productive fields
The soil’s ability to hold more water than the state average is a significant asset for local farmers. This characteristic, combined with a 49.4% sand content, provides a stable environment for roots to access both air and moisture.
Diverse opportunities in hardiness zone 7b
Halifax's long growing season and favorable water capacity are perfect for tobacco, grains, and large vegetable gardens. Start your planting early to take full advantage of this county's resilient soil profile.
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 Halifax County have?
Halifax County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 35% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Halifax County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Halifax County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Halifax County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Halifax County.
What crops or plants grow well in Halifax County's soil?
Based on Halifax County's Loam texture, pH of 5.6, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Halifax County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Halifax County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Halifax 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.