Sussex County Soil Data
Sussex County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sussex County, Virginia
Low pH Levels in Sussex
Sussex County soil records an average pH of 5.21, falling below the national median of 6.5. This acidic lean mirrors the state average of 5.23, reflecting the weathered nature of Virginia's coastal soils.
Dominance of Sand and Silt
The soil composition is 60.0% sand and 26.3% silt, making it one of the sandier profiles in the region. With only 13.6% clay, this mix offers excellent drainage but low natural nutrient storage.
Nutrient Needs and Water Capacity
At 1.85%, organic matter levels are below the state average of 2.90% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.132 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark, suggesting a need for supplemental irrigation.
Fast Drainage for Sussex Fields
Though formal drainage data is limited, the 60% sand content facilitates quick water movement through the soil profile. This makes the land suitable for structures but requires careful management for thirsty crops.
Gardening in Zone 7b
Sussex sits in hardiness zone 7b, supporting a wide variety of southern staples. Root vegetables and legumes thrive in this light soil, making it a great place to plant your first patch.
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 Sussex County have?
Sussex County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 60% sand, 26% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sussex County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sussex 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 Sussex County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sussex County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sussex County's soil?
Based on Sussex County's Sandy 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 Sussex County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sussex County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sussex 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.