Berkeley County Soil Data
Berkeley County, West Virginia
Avg pH
5.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
10.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Berkeley County, West Virginia
Highly Productive Acidic Grounds
Berkeley County boasts a soil score of 61.3, significantly higher than the state average of 49.2. The average pH sits at 5.60, which is less acidic than the state's 5.25 but still below the national 6.5 median. Local growers often adjust this acidity to optimize nutrient availability for diverse crops.
Balanced Silt and Sand Mix
The soil composition is 40.9% silt and 25.9% sand, creating a versatile medium for farming. With 17.5% clay, the soil maintains decent structure without becoming overly heavy or difficult to till. This blend provides a reliable balance of drainage and moisture retention for the Eastern Panhandle.
Superior Moisture Storage for Crops
Organic matter levels reach 10.02%, far surpassing the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.174 in/in is among the highest in the state, well above the 0.142 in/in average. These figures indicate a highly resilient soil capable of supporting intensive vegetable production.
Local Hydrologic Observations
Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently documented for Berkeley County. Despite the missing data, the high water capacity suggests the soil manages moisture effectively for agricultural use. Farmers should monitor local field conditions to ensure optimal drainage for specific crop varieties.
Warm Starts in Zone 7a
Berkeley County resides in Hardiness Zone 7a, offering a longer growing season than much of West Virginia. The high-quality soil is perfect for stone fruits like peaches or late-summer tomatoes. Take advantage of the superior soil score and plant a productive garden today.
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 Berkeley County have?
Berkeley County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 41% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Berkeley County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Berkeley County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Berkeley County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Berkeley County.
What crops or plants grow well in Berkeley County's soil?
Based on Berkeley County's Loam texture, pH of 5.6, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Berkeley County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Berkeley County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Berkeley 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.