Barbour County Soil Data
Barbour County, West Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Very channery loam
Drainage
Somewhat excessively drained
Organic Matter
6.1%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Barbour County, West Virginia
Barbour County’s Acidic Soil Profile
The county's soil features an average pH of 5.40, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While more alkaline than the state average of 5.25, these levels typically require lime amendments for most garden crops. Specific taxonomic data for this region is currently unavailable.
A Silt-Dominant Soil Texture
Silt makes up 50.8% of the local soil profile, providing a smooth texture that holds moisture well. With 24.1% sand and 18.9% clay, the mix offers a balanced structure for root penetration and workability. This composition suggests a soil that retains nutrients better than sandy neighbors but requires careful management to avoid compaction.
High Water Capacity and Organic Richness
The soil contains 6.07% organic matter, nearly tripling the national average of 2.0%. An available water capacity of 0.156 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.142 in/in, indicating strong drought resilience. This combination provides a fertile foundation for high-yield local agriculture.
Managing Hydrology in Barbour
Current records do not specify a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for the county. Gardeners should observe their specific plots for pooling after rain to determine drainage patterns. Proper site assessment remains essential before beginning any major building or farming projects.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6b
Barbour County falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, making it ideal for hardy perennials and cool-season vegetables. The silty, water-rich soil supports robust growth for blueberries and potatoes which tolerate acidic conditions. Grab your tools and start a garden to take advantage of this fertile landscape.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Somewhat excessively drained
Water is removed rapidly. Soils may be droughty and have limited water-holding capacity.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Very channery loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Barbour County have?
Barbour County's soil is classified as Very channery loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 51% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Barbour County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Barbour 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 Barbour County?
Barbour County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Barbour County's soil?
Based on Barbour County's Very channery loam texture, pH of 5.4, and Somewhat excessively drained, 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 Barbour County?
Barbour 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: Barbour County
Soil Verdict
Barbour County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Barbour County closely matches the West Virginia average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6a-6b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Barbour County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in West 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.