Pittsylvania County Soil Data
Pittsylvania County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pittsylvania County, Virginia
Acidic Piedmont Sands Define the Landscape
Pittsylvania County features an acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.39, which sits well below the national median of 6.5. This land characteristically trends toward more acidic levels than the Virginia state average of 5.23.
A High-Sand Mix for Easy Tilling
The soil contains 58.5% sand and only 14.0% clay, creating a light texture that is easy to work with hand tools. This high sand content provides excellent aeration but means the ground may struggle to hold onto vital nutrients.
Low Organic Matter Requires Soil Building
At 1.27%, the organic matter content is less than half of the Virginia average of 2.90%. The available water capacity of 0.128 in/in also trails the state average, suggesting that crops will need frequent watering or heavy mulching.
Naturally Rapid Drainage Patterns
While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the high sand percentage naturally facilitates quick water movement. This structure prevents root rot but requires careful management of soluble fertilizers to avoid leaching.
Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7b
The mild climate of Zone 7b allows for a wide variety of heat-tolerant vegetables like peppers and sweet potatoes. Start a garden today by adding compost to boost the fertility of this sandy Piedmont soil.
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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Pittsylvania County have?
Pittsylvania County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 59% sand, 28% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pittsylvania County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pittsylvania 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 Pittsylvania County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pittsylvania County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pittsylvania County's soil?
Based on Pittsylvania County's Sandy 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 Pittsylvania County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pittsylvania County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Pittsylvania County
Soil Verdict
Pittsylvania 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
Pittsylvania County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pittsylvania 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.