Wythe County Soil Data
Wythe County, Virginia
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Wythe County, Virginia
Balanced Chemistry in Wythe County
Wythe County soil has an average pH of 5.49, sitting comfortably above the Virginia average of 5.23. This chemical balance contributes to a solid soil score of 47.2, well above the state's typical 30.6 rating.
A Versatile Silt-Sand Blend
The soil contains 44.6% silt and 33.7% sand, balanced by 18.5% clay. This combination provides a smooth texture that is easy to cultivate while retaining enough clay to hold onto vital nutrients.
Strong Water Retention Potential
With 3.74% organic matter, Wythe County outperforms the state average of 2.90%. The available water capacity of 0.159 in/in also beats the state average, providing a reliable reservoir for crops during the growing season.
Steady Hydrologic Performance
While official drainage data is limited, the high silt and moderate clay percentages suggest steady moisture retention. These traits generally support both consistent agricultural yields and stable building foundations.
Ideal for Valley Farming
Wythe County sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, supporting a diverse range of cool-season crops and hardy vegetables. Use the above-average water capacity to grow thirsty favorites like tomatoes and cucumbers.
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 Wythe County have?
Wythe County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 45% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wythe County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wythe County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Wythe County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Wythe County.
What crops or plants grow well in Wythe County's soil?
Based on Wythe County's Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Wythe County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Wythe County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wythe 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.