Lee County Soil Data
Lee County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lee County, Virginia
Higher pH in Southwest Virginia
Lee County soils average a pH of 5.52, which is more alkaline than the Virginia state average of 5.23. While still acidic compared to the national 6.5 median, it offers a friendlier environment for diverse plant life.
A Silt-Rich Soil Mix
With a high silt content of 44.9% and 19.3% clay, these soils offer a fine-textured balance for many agricultural uses. This mix provides excellent nutrient retention while maintaining manageable workability for tractors and hand tools.
Excellent Organic Matter Content
Lee County excels with 3.21% organic matter, exceeding the 2.90% state average and the 2.0% national average. This high organic content fuels a productive soil ecosystem that supports vigorous plant growth.
Superior Water Retention
The available water capacity of 0.172 in/in is significantly higher than the state average of 0.143 in/in. This means the soil acts as a better reservoir for plants during the heat of a Virginia summer.
Vibrant Growing in Zone 7a
A strong soil score of 49.6 makes this an ideal place for corn, hay, and extensive vegetable gardening. The cooler 7a climate paired with high-capacity soil creates perfect conditions for traditional Appalachian crops.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lee County have?
Lee County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 33% sand, 45% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lee County's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Lee County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lee County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lee County's soil?
Based on Lee County's Loam texture, pH of 5.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Lee County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lee County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lee County
Soil Verdict
Lee County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Lee County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lee 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.