New Kent County Soil Data
New Kent County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in New Kent County, Virginia
Acidic Coastal Plain Identity
New Kent County features acidic soil with a pH of 5.08, falling below the Virginia state average of 5.23. Compared to the national median pH of 6.5, this soil reflects the ancient marine sediments of the region.
Majority Sand for Easy Tilling
With a high sand content of 57.1%, this soil is extremely light and easy to work by hand or machine. The low 12.7% clay content ensures the soil doesn't get sticky, though it may dry out faster than clay-heavy soils.
Superior Organic Matter Content
Organic matter is a major strength here at 3.60%, far exceeding the state average of 2.90%. While the available water capacity is slightly lower than the state average at 0.133 in/in, the rich organic levels provide excellent natural fertility.
Naturally Fast-Draining Land
The dominance of sand in the profile indicates very fast drainage across the county. This rapid permeability is a benefit for winter gardening as it keeps soil temperatures higher and prevents waterlogging.
Vibrant Gardening in Zone 7b
New Kent County’s Hardiness Zone 7b offers a long and productive growing season for both summer and winter crops. Leverage the exceptionally high organic matter to start a high-yield organic vegetable garden today.
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 New Kent County have?
New Kent County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 57% sand, 28% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is New Kent County's soil acidic or alkaline?
New Kent County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for New Kent County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for New Kent County.
What crops or plants grow well in New Kent County's soil?
Based on New Kent County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 New Kent County?
The dominant USDA soil order for New Kent County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for New Kent 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.