Russell County Soil Data
Russell County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Russell County, Virginia
Rich Soils of Southwest Virginia
Russell County features an average pH of 5.38, one of the higher readings in the state and well above the Virginia average of 5.23. While still acidic compared to the national median of 6.5, these soils are less taxing on farmers than more acidic coastal regions. No dominant taxonomic order is currently listed.
A Silty Appalachian Blend
The soil is composed of 43.4% silt, 33.6% sand, and 17.4% clay. This high silt content makes the soil feel smooth and gives it a high capacity for holding onto minerals. The balanced clay and sand percentages provide a stable medium for both agriculture and construction.
Top-Tier Organic Matter Content
Russell County stands out with a massive 5.15% organic matter, nearly doubling the state average of 2.90%. Coupled with an available water capacity of 0.149 in/in, this soil is exceptionally fertile and resilient. It provides an ideal environment for high-yield pastures and robust garden growth.
Strong Natural Water Management
The silty-clay mix offers good structural stability and moderate water movement. While specific hydrologic data is missing, the high organic matter helps keep the soil porous and prevents excessive runoff. This makes it a dependable choice for both farming and managing local watersheds.
Growing Large in Zone 7a
In hardiness zone 7a, Russell County’s elite organic matter levels support incredible plant growth. You have the perfect soil foundation for a high-output home garden or a thriving orchard. With such rich soil, minimal fertilization is needed to see impressive results.
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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Russell County have?
Russell County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 43% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Russell County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Russell 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 Russell County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Russell County.
What crops or plants grow well in Russell County's soil?
Based on Russell County's 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 Russell County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Russell County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Russell County
Soil Verdict
Russell 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
Russell County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Russell 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.