Barbour County Soil Data
Barbour County, West Virginia
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/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
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Barbour County have?
Barbour County's soil is classified as Silt 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?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Barbour County.
What crops or plants grow well in Barbour County's soil?
Based on Barbour County's Silt 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 Barbour County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Barbour County is not currently available in our dataset.
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.