Nottoway County Soil Data

Nottoway County, Virginia

Avg pH

5.5

Texture

Sandy Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

1.4%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Nottoway County, Virginia

Piedmont Soils of Nottoway

Nottoway County has a pH of 5.46, which is more alkaline than the state average of 5.23. However, it still falls well below the national median of 6.5, typical for the acidic soils of the Virginia Piedmont.

Gritty and Workable Textures

The soil contains 57.5% sand and 26.1% silt, giving it a gritty texture that is easy to till. The 16.4% clay content provides enough structure to prevent the soil from becoming purely erosive.

A Need for Organic Matter

Organic matter is low at 1.36%, which is less than half the state average of 2.90%. With an available water capacity of 0.133 in/in, the soil holds slightly less moisture than the state benchmark.

Quick-Draining Inland Soils

The high sand percentage suggests that drainage is relatively quick across the county. Farmers and builders benefit from the soil's workability, though it may require more frequent fertilization.

Summer Crops in Zone 7b

Zone 7b is perfect for heat-loving plants like watermelons and peppers. Adding compost will help improve the 1.36% organic matter and keep your plants hydrated through the summer.

Soil Composition

Sandy Loam
Sand: 57.5%
Silt: 26.1%
Clay: 16.4%
Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.5pH
5.46062039980087
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Nottoway County have?

Nottoway County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 58% sand, 26% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Nottoway County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Nottoway 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 Nottoway County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Nottoway County.

What crops or plants grow well in Nottoway County's soil?

Based on Nottoway 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 Nottoway County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Nottoway County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.