Shenandoah County Soil Data
Shenandoah County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Shenandoah County, Virginia
High-Quality Valley Soils
Shenandoah County earns a strong soil score of 43.2, outperforming the state average of 30.6 by a wide margin. The average pH of 5.37 is slightly higher than the state average but requires occasional lime to reach the national 6.5 ideal. This creates a productive base for the county's famous agricultural operations.
Silt and Sand Dominance
The soil composition features 41.6% silt and 35.3% sand, paired with a modest 18.9% clay. This mix offers excellent workability, as the sand prevents the heavy clumping often found in clay-rich regions. It provides an ideal physical structure for root penetration and moisture movement.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
With a 4.02% organic matter content, these soils are twice as rich as the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.151 in/in exceeds the state benchmark of 0.143, ensuring plants stay hydrated. This exceptional fertility supports high-yield farming and lush home gardens.
Managing the Valley Watershed
Formal drainage and hydrologic data are unavailable, but the high sand and silt percentages suggest a well-draining landscape. These soils generally move water efficiently, reducing the risk of root rot in agricultural fields. Local growers should focus on maintaining the high organic content to preserve this natural filtration.
Abundant Growth in Zone 7a
Zone 7a provides a long growing season for everything from tomatoes to timber. The high organic levels mean your garden needs less supplemental fertilizer to thrive. It is a fantastic time to plant a diverse array of native shrubs or a sprawling 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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Shenandoah County have?
Shenandoah County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 42% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Shenandoah County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Shenandoah County.
What crops or plants grow well in Shenandoah County's soil?
Based on Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Shenandoah County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Shenandoah County
Soil Verdict
Shenandoah 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
Shenandoah County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Shenandoah 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.