Westmoreland County Soil Data
Westmoreland County, Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.8
Texture
Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Westmoreland County, Virginia
Sandy Entisols of the Potomac
Westmoreland County features Entisols, characterized by a dominant sand texture and a pH of 4.81. This acidity is significantly sharper than the national median of 6.5, typical of young, sandy coastal soils.
Light and Workable Sand
With 48.8% sand and 35.9% silt, the soil is very light and easy to till. The low clay content of 12.5% means the soil drains quickly, which is a benefit for roots but requires careful nutrient management.
Competitive Fertility Levels
The county boasts an organic matter level of 3.16%, which sits comfortably above the state average of 2.90%. This fertility is paired with an available water capacity of 0.144 in/in, ensuring a steady supply for crops.
Fast-Moving Coastal Hydrology
Specific drainage classes are not available, but the sandy Entisol classification implies that water moves through the profile rapidly. This reduces the risk of root rot but requires growers to watch for dry soil.
Coastal Favorites in Zone 7b
Hardiness zone 7b provides a long growing season for tomatoes and peppers. The sandy texture and healthy organic levels make this an ideal spot for a productive, well-drained kitchen 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: Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Westmoreland County have?
Westmoreland County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 36% silt, and 12% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Westmoreland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Westmoreland County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Westmoreland County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Westmoreland County.
What crops or plants grow well in Westmoreland County's soil?
Based on Westmoreland County's Sand texture, pH of 4.8, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in Westmoreland County?
Westmoreland County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Westmoreland County
Soil Verdict
Westmoreland County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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. 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.
Regional Context
Westmoreland County closely matches the Virginia average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Westmoreland 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.