Powhatan County Soil Data
Powhatan County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Powhatan County, Virginia
Strongly Acidic Soils of Powhatan
Powhatan’s soil presents a highly acidic pH of 5.12, which is lower than the Virginia state average of 5.23. This level is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime for many garden crops.
Sandy Texture Offers Light Workability
The local soil mix contains 55.8% sand and 14.4% clay, leading to a light and manageable texture. This composition allows roots to penetrate easily but may drain faster than ideal for water-hungry plants.
Building Capacity in Lean Soil
At 1.24% organic matter, the soil is leaner than the 2.90% state average. The available water capacity of 0.130 in/in indicates a need for regular mulching to keep moisture locked in during the summer months.
Well-Drained Ground Prevents Saturated Roots
Limited specific drainage data exists, but the high sand content suggests a well-drained profile. These soils typically avoid the 'wet feet' issues common in heavier clay regions, making them good for deep-rooted trees.
Spring Starts Early in Zone 7a
Hardiness Zone 7a supports a wide variety of vegetables, from hardy kale to summer tomatoes. You can transform this soil into a productive garden by adding compost to boost the organic content of the sandy base.
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 Powhatan County have?
Powhatan County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 56% sand, 27% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Powhatan County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Powhatan 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 Powhatan County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Powhatan County.
What crops or plants grow well in Powhatan County's soil?
Based on Powhatan 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 Powhatan County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Powhatan County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Powhatan 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.