Rockingham County Soil Data
Rockingham County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Rockingham County, Virginia
Shenandoah Valley Soil Health
Rockingham County soils have an average pH of 5.20, very close to the state average of 5.23. Like most of the region, these soils are naturally acidic compared to the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile has long supported the county's status as an agricultural powerhouse.
A Heavy, Silt-Rich Mix
The soil is remarkably balanced with 37.7% sand, 37.2% silt, and a substantial 19.0% clay. This higher clay percentage provides excellent nutrient-holding capacity and structure for large-scale farming. It requires more careful management than sandy soils to avoid compaction when wet.
State-Leading Organic Matter
Rockingham exceeds the state average for organic matter with a healthy 2.95% rating. Its available water capacity of 0.143 in/in perfectly matches the state average. This high organic content is a key driver of the county’s exceptional agricultural productivity.
Stable Hydrologic Performance
The 19% clay content suggests these soils hold onto moisture longer than neighboring sandy areas. While specific drainage classes aren't provided, this mix is generally reliable for supporting heavy infrastructure and consistent crop yields. Farmers should watch for drainage needs in low-lying fields.
Productive Gardening in Zone 7a
Zone 7a allows for a diverse range of crops, from forage for livestock to intensive vegetable gardens. The high organic matter means your soil is already well-equipped to support heavy feeders like corn or squash. Take advantage of this natural fertility by starting a family vegetable plot.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Rockingham County have?
Rockingham County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 37% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Rockingham County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Rockingham County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Rockingham County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Rockingham County.
What crops or plants grow well in Rockingham County's soil?
Based on Rockingham County's Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Rockingham County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Rockingham County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Rockingham County
Soil Verdict
Rockingham County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Rockingham County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Rockingham 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.