Southampton County Soil Data
Southampton County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Southampton County, Virginia
Coastal Plain Sandy Soils
Southampton County's soil score of 29.9 sits right near the state average of 30.6. The pH level of 5.40 is slightly more basic than the Virginia average of 5.23, but still requires monitoring to reach the national 6.5 target. These soils are typical of the Virginia coastal plain, favoring drainage over heavy nutrient storage.
High Sand, Low Clay
Sand dominates this county at 66.1%, with silt at 19.5% and clay at only 12.3%. This high sand content ensures that the soil never feels heavy or sticky, even after a torrential rain. However, the lack of clay means the soil has less natural ability to grip onto liquid fertilizers.
Moderate Organic and Water Levels
Organic matter is slightly lower than the state average at 2.49%, though it still beats the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.125 in/in is below the state average of 0.143, meaning these soils dry out more quickly. Regular mulching is recommended to help keep moisture near plant roots.
Rapid Drainage in the Lowlands
While specific drainage classes are not provided, the 66.1% sand content indicates rapid water movement through the soil profile. This is excellent for preventing puddles but means the water table can fluctuate quickly. Building projects in these sandy areas generally benefit from the lack of expansive clays.
Thriving in Zone 7b
The warmer 7b hardiness zone allows for a longer growing season than northern neighbors. Sandy soils are perfect for root crops like peanuts or sweet potatoes which thrive in loose earth. With a bit of extra irrigation, your Southampton garden can be incredibly productive.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Southampton County have?
Southampton County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 66% sand, 20% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Southampton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Southampton 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 Southampton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Southampton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Southampton County's soil?
Based on Southampton County's Sandy 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 Southampton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Southampton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Southampton 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.