King William County Soil Data
King William County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in King William County, Virginia
Acidic Soils with Coastal Roots
King William’s soil shows an average pH of 5.35, which is slightly more alkaline than the Virginia average of 5.23. It remains significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median, often requiring lime for garden health.
Predominantly Sandy Soil Textures
The soil is predominantly sandy at 67.6%, making it exceptionally easy to work and dig. However, the low clay content of 11.4% means the soil may struggle to hold onto nutrients over time.
Moderate Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter stands at 2.28%, which beats the national average of 2.0% but falls short of the Virginia state average of 2.90%. The available water capacity is also lower than the state average at 0.110 in/in.
Fast Drainage Challenges
Because of the high sand content, water moves quickly through these soils, which can lead to drought stress during dry spells. Farmers and gardeners should prioritize mulching to conserve what little moisture the soil retains.
Thriving in Zone 7b
Zone 7b provides a long growing season that suits the sandy composition well for root vegetables and fruit trees. These soils warm up quickly in the spring, giving you a head start on your summer garden.
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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does King William County have?
King William County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 68% sand, 21% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is King William County's soil acidic or alkaline?
King William County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for King William County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for King William County.
What crops or plants grow well in King William County's soil?
Based on King William County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 William County?
The dominant USDA soil order for King William County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: King William County
Soil Verdict
King William 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
King William County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for King William 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.