Isle of Wight County Soil Data
Isle of Wight County, Virginia
Avg pH
4.8
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Isle of Wight County, Virginia
Young Entisols of Isle of Wight
Isle of Wight County features Entisols, which are relatively young soils with an acidic pH of 4.79. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and even sits below the Virginia state average of 5.23. These soils are often found in areas where sediment is still actively being deposited or moved.
Sandy soil for easy cultivation
The soil contains 57.0% sand and 22.9% silt, creating a light, sandy texture. With only 12.4% clay, these soils are easy to cultivate but may lose moisture and nutrients rapidly without intervention. It is a classic coastal plain composition that farmers have utilized for generations.
High organic matter and water needs
Organic matter is a bright spot at 3.32%, outperforming the Virginia average of 2.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.114 in/in is below the state average of 0.143, indicating a need for careful irrigation. The high organic content helps, but the sandy structure still struggles to hold water.
Rapid drainage for specialized crops
As Entisols with high sand content, these soils typically offer rapid drainage and belong to responsive hydrologic groups. This makes the county's land well-suited for specialized crops that dislike saturated roots. Builders also find these conditions favorable for projects that require well-drained foundations.
Peanuts and cotton in zone 8a
Located in zone 8a, this county is ideal for peanuts and cotton, which thrive in sandy soil and long summers. Your garden will benefit from the naturally high organic matter, especially if you plant heat-tolerant varieties. Start your planting early to take full advantage of the long growing season.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Isle of Wight County have?
Isle of Wight County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 57% sand, 23% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Isle of Wight County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Isle of Wight County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Isle of Wight County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Isle of Wight County.
What crops or plants grow well in Isle of Wight County's soil?
Based on Isle of Wight County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.8, 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 Isle of Wight County?
Isle of Wight County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Isle of Wight 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.