Nottoway County Soil Data
Nottoway County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Nottoway County
Soil Verdict
Nottoway 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
Nottoway County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Nottoway 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.