Montgomery County Soil Data
Montgomery County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Montgomery County, Virginia
Unique Appalachian Soil Chemistry
Montgomery County features a pH of 5.40, making it less acidic than the state average of 5.23. Although it is still more acidic than the national median of 6.5, it offers a relatively balanced starting point for many plants.
Silt-Rich Valley Soils
With 45.4% silt and 35.4% sand, this soil has a fine, smooth texture that is highly productive. The 19.2% clay content provides significant body, helping the soil hold onto essential nutrients throughout the year.
Exceptional Water-Holding Capacity
The available water capacity is a standout at 0.161 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.143. While organic matter is 1.98%, below the state average, the soil's ability to store water makes it very resilient.
Moisture Retention for Hilly Terrain
The high silt and clay percentages suggest a soil that retains moisture effectively across the county's varied topography. This helps prevent plants from drying out on slopes where water typically runs off quickly.
Abundant Growth in Zone 7a
Hardiness Zone 7a in Montgomery County is perfect for berries, leafy greens, and apple orchards. Utilize the soil's natural moisture-holding ability to grow a high-yield garden with less frequent irrigation.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Montgomery County have?
Montgomery County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 45% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Montgomery County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Montgomery 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 Montgomery County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Montgomery County.
What crops or plants grow well in Montgomery County's soil?
Based on Montgomery County's 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 Montgomery County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Montgomery County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Montgomery 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.