Prince William County Soil Data
Prince William County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Prince William County, Virginia
Northern Virginia’s Acidic Soil Foundation
Prince William County shows a pH of 5.13, which is typical for the Northern Virginia region. This level is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but provides a familiar base for local native flora.
Balanced Silt and Sand Texture
The soil contains 45.1% sand and 38.2% silt, creating a sturdy and versatile silty-sand profile. This provides an excellent structure for both suburban landscaping and smaller agricultural operations.
Superior Water Capacity for the State
Organic matter levels of 2.13% are higher than many central Virginia counties. The water capacity of 0.155 in/in is superior to the state average of 0.143, helping gardens stay resilient during hot spells.
Reliable Moisture Retention for Lawns
While specific hydrologic data is missing, the above-average water capacity suggests excellent moisture retention. This helps suburban lawns and gardens stay green longer during the humid Virginia summers.
Diverse Planting Options in Zone 7a
In Zone 7a, gardeners can thrive with everything from garlic and root vegetables to colorful zinnias. The strong water retention makes this an excellent environment for establishing fruit trees and berry bushes.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Prince William County have?
Prince William County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 45% sand, 38% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Prince William County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Prince William 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 Prince William County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Prince William County.
What crops or plants grow well in Prince William County's soil?
Based on Prince William County's 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 Prince William County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Prince William County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Prince William 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.