King and Queen County Soil Data
King and Queen County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in King and Queen County, Virginia
Balanced acidity in King and Queen
King and Queen County features a pH of 5.46, which is notably less acidic than the state average of 5.23. While still below the national median of 6.5, these soils provide a slightly more balanced chemical baseline for local plants. This makes it a unique pocket within the generally acidic Virginia landscape.
Dominant sand for easy working
This is a very sandy county, with 67.6% sand and only 11.5% clay. This high sand percentage ensures the soil is extremely easy to work and resists the heavy clumping often found elsewhere in the state. It is a dream for gardeners who prefer a light, manageable soil texture.
Moderate organic levels
Organic matter stands at 2.54%, falling just short of the 2.90% state average. The available water capacity is 0.122 in/in, suggesting that the sandy composition allows for less water storage than the state benchmark of 0.143. Plants may require more frequent watering during the height of a dry summer.
Rapid drainage and permeability
The 67.6% sand dominance naturally leads to rapid drainage and high permeability across the county. These hydrologic conditions are excellent for avoiding root rot but mean the soil does not hold onto moisture for long. Builders will find the soil stable and easy to manage for most construction needs.
Perfect for melons in zone 7b
In zone 7b, the warm climate and sandy soil are perfect for growing watermelons, cantaloupes, and asparagus. Adding a layer of mulch will help your plants thrive by locking in moisture in this fast-draining landscape. Use the county's light soil to your advantage this 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 King and Queen County have?
King and Queen County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 68% sand, 21% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is King and Queen County's soil acidic or alkaline?
King and Queen County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for King and Queen County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for King and Queen County.
What crops or plants grow well in King and Queen County's soil?
Based on King and Queen County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 King and Queen County?
The dominant USDA soil order for King and Queen County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for King and Queen 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.