Virginia Beach city Soil Data
Virginia Beach city, Virginia
Avg pH
4.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
8.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Virginia Beach city, Virginia
Unique Acidic Coastal Identity
Virginia Beach has a very acidic soil pH of 4.16, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This unique chemical profile is common in coastal areas with high concentrations of organic peat.
Sandy Texture with Low Clay
The city's soil is 41.7% sand and 21.2% silt, but features a very low clay content of only 7.0%. This makes for a light soil that is easy to dig but struggles to hold onto essential plant nutrients.
Incredible Organic Matter Content
At 8.70%, the organic matter here is nearly triple the state average of 2.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.124 in/in is below average, meaning the soil dries out faster than its dark color suggests.
Coastal Drainage Challenges
Data on specific drainage classes is limited for this urban area. Growers must balance the high organic levels with the low water capacity to ensure plants stay hydrated during hot coastal summers.
Warm Growing in Zone 8b
Zone 8b offers one of the longest growing seasons in Virginia, perfect for figs and summer squash. Acid-loving plants like blueberries will absolutely thrive in this high-organic, low-pH soil.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Virginia Beach city have?
Virginia Beach city's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 42% sand, 21% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Virginia Beach city's soil acidic or alkaline?
Virginia Beach city's soil has a low pH of 4.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Virginia Beach city?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Virginia Beach city.
What crops or plants grow well in Virginia Beach city's soil?
Based on Virginia Beach city's Loam texture, pH of 4.2, 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 Virginia Beach city?
The dominant USDA soil order for Virginia Beach city is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Virginia Beach city 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.