Henrico County Soil Data
Henrico County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Henrico County, Virginia
Classic Virginia acidity in Henrico
Henrico County features acidic soil with a pH of 5.18, slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.23. This level stands nearly 1.3 points below the national median of 6.5. Local gardeners often find that adding lime is necessary to balance the soil for traditional lawn and garden health.
A light and workable mix
The soil includes 59.9% sand and 25.5% silt, creating a relatively light texture that is easy to till. With clay at just 14.6%, the soil lacks the heavy stickiness found in the western parts of the state. This composition allows for excellent root penetration for a variety of plant species.
Moderate water capacity and nutrients
Organic matter content measures 1.67%, trailing the Virginia average of 2.90% by a notable margin. The available water capacity of 0.133 in/in sits just below the state benchmark of 0.143. These numbers suggest a moderate ability to hold onto rainfall and nutrients during the peak growing season.
Effective drainage for development
The high sand and silt components typically facilitate good drainage across the county landscape. Farmers and builders benefit from this composition, as it rarely holds excess water for long periods. Careful management is still required to prevent erosion in areas with steeper slopes.
Garden success in zone 7b
Sitting in zone 7b, Henrico offers a robust environment for summer squash, okra, and flowering perennials. Your garden will thrive with the addition of organic mulch to boost the current 1.67% organic matter level. This climate and soil combination is perfect for a long, productive summer harvest.
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 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Henrico County have?
Henrico County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 60% sand, 25% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Henrico County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Henrico 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 Henrico County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Henrico County.
What crops or plants grow well in Henrico County's soil?
Based on Henrico County'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 Henrico County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Henrico County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Henrico County
Soil Verdict
Henrico County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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. 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.
Regional Context
Henrico County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Henrico 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.