Washington County Soil Data
Washington County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Washington County, Virginia
Washington County's Silt-Heavy Profile
The soil pH in Washington County stands at 5.39, which is higher than the state average but still more acidic than the national 6.5 median. This acidity level is excellent for supporting regional timber and pasture lands.
Fine Texture and High Silt
With 47.9% silt and 18.7% clay, these soils feel fine-grained and hold nutrients effectively. The lower sand content of 33.4% means the ground can be prone to compaction if worked when wet.
High Water Holding Capacity
While organic matter is low at 1.64%, the available water capacity is a standout 0.178 in/in—significantly higher than the state average. This means the soil is excellent at storing water for plants during the summer.
Stable Moisture for Agriculture
Dominant drainage data is not currently recorded, but the high water capacity suggests the soil acts like a sponge. Farmers should monitor for drainage issues in low-lying areas during heavy Virginia rains.
Hardy Crops for Zone 7a
The 7a hardiness zone is perfect for apple trees and perennial herbs. Despite the lower organic matter, the high water capacity makes this a reliable place to establish a deep-rooted garden.
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 Washington County have?
Washington County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 33% sand, 48% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Washington County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Washington 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 Washington County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Washington County.
What crops or plants grow well in Washington County's soil?
Based on Washington 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 Washington County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Washington County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Washington 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.