Scott County Soil Data
Scott County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Scott County, Virginia
Scott County’s Acidic Mountain Soil
The soil here maintains an average pH of 5.48, which sits above the state average of 5.23 but remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is limited for this region, the soil score of 44.0 indicates significantly higher quality than the Virginia state average of 30.6.
A Balanced Silt-Heavy Mix
Scott County soil consists of 45.7% silt, 31.4% sand, and 20.3% clay. This silt-dominant texture provides a smooth workability for farmers and gardeners alike. The balanced clay content helps retain essential nutrients while the sand ensures the ground doesn't become overly compacted.
Above Average Organic Richness
Organic matter reaches 3.17%, surpassing both the state average of 2.90% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.154 in/in provides plants with a reliable reservoir during dry spells. This combination creates a fertile environment with strong growing potential.
Natural Water Movement in Scott
While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not formally recorded for this area, the high silt content suggests naturally moderate permeability. Gardeners should monitor local slopes to manage runoff during heavy Appalachian rains. Proper site preparation remains key for any new building projects.
Success in Zone 7a
Hardiness Zone 7a supports a wide variety of cool-weather crops and hardy perennials. The rich organic matter makes this soil perfect for establishing productive vegetable patches or orchards. Start your garden today to take advantage of these nutrient-dense mountain soils.
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 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Scott County have?
Scott County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 46% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Scott County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Scott County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Scott County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Scott County.
What crops or plants grow well in Scott County's soil?
Based on Scott County's Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Scott County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Scott County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Scott County
Soil Verdict
Scott 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
Scott County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Scott 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.