Henry County Soil Data
Henry County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Henry County, Virginia
Mirroring the state's acidic profile
Henry County soils are characterized by an acidic pH of 5.20, mirroring the typical Virginia profile. This acidity is significantly sharper than the national 6.5 median, which influences which native plants naturally thrive here. It requires active management for most commercial crops.
Balanced sand and silt blend
A blend of 53.9% sand and 29.7% silt defines the county's soil texture. The 16.4% clay content provides enough structure for nutrient retention while maintaining decent workability for local farmers. This mix offers a middle ground between the heavy clays of the west and the sands of the coast.
Room for organic growth
At 1.57%, organic matter is nearly half the state average of 2.90%. The available water capacity of 0.111 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark of 0.143, meaning crops may feel the stress of drought sooner. Increasing organic content is key to improving both water retention and nutrient levels.
Versatile drainage for land use
The soil composition suggests moderate drainage, as the sand content helps water move through the 16.4% clay. These properties make the land versatile for both agricultural use and residential development projects. It provides a stable base that resists the worst effects of water saturation.
Summer favorites thrive here
Hardiness zone 7b allows for a long growing season that favors sweet potatoes and leafy greens. To offset the lower water capacity, gardeners should focus on building up soil health with consistent composting. Start your garden this season and enjoy the benefits of Henry County's warm climate.
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 Henry County have?
Henry County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 30% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Henry County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Henry 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 Henry County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Henry County.
What crops or plants grow well in Henry County's soil?
Based on Henry 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 Henry County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Henry County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Henry County
Soil Verdict
Henry 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
Henry County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Henry 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.