Rappahannock County Soil Data
Rappahannock County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Rappahannock County, Virginia
Acidic Profiles in the Piedmont
Rappahannock County soils are notably acidic with an average pH of 5.05, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited for this area, the low pH suggests a need for lime amendments in most traditional agricultural applications. These levels fall slightly below the Virginia state average pH of 5.23.
A Balanced Granular Mix
The soil composition features a balanced mix of 44.5% sand and 37.6% silt, with a smaller 16.1% clay component. This texture offers decent workability for farmers while providing enough structure to hold onto essential nutrients. The relatively low clay content prevents the heavy, sticky conditions found in other parts of the state.
Solid Foundations for Growth
Organic matter stands at 2.12%, which exceeds the national average of 2.0% but trails the state average of 2.90%. The available water capacity of 0.148 in/in is slightly better than the Virginia average of 0.143 in/in. These figures indicate a soil that retains moisture well enough to support consistent crop growth.
Managing Water Movement
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county's dominant soil types. However, the sandy-silt mix generally suggests moderate internal drainage that prevents frequent ponding. Local builders and farmers should perform site-specific tests to confirm water movement patterns before major projects.
Planting in Hardiness Zone 7a
With a USDA Hardiness Zone of 7a, Rappahannock is a prime location for apple orchards and cool-weather vegetables. The soil’s moisture retention supports diverse perennial plantings and traditional timber. Gardeners should focus on acid-loving plants or apply lime to balance the naturally low pH levels.
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 Rappahannock County have?
Rappahannock County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 38% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Rappahannock County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Rappahannock County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Rappahannock County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Rappahannock County.
What crops or plants grow well in Rappahannock County's soil?
Based on Rappahannock County's Loam texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Rappahannock County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Rappahannock County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.