Boone County Soil Data
Boone County, West Virginia
Avg pH
5.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
17.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Boone County, West Virginia
The Young Soils of Boone
Boone County is dominated by Entisols, which are geologically young soils with limited horizon development. The average pH of 5.56 is more acidic than the national 6.5 benchmark but remains typical for the region. These soils reflect the rugged, shifting landscape of West Virginia's coal country.
Sandy Foundations and Light Texture
With 37.1% sand, these soils are coarser than many neighboring counties, aiding in rapid initial drainage. Silt accounts for 28.7% and clay just 12.2%, resulting in a lighter soil that is easy to work. However, the lower clay content means the soil may struggle to hold onto nutrients over time.
Organic Rich but Water Lean
The soil contains an impressive 17.23% organic matter, dwarfng the national average of 2.0%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.120 in/in falls below the state average of 0.142 in/in. Growers may need to mulch heavily to keep moisture in the ground during dry spells.
Navigating Entisol Drainage
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable for this county. Because Entisols vary widely, local site assessments are the best way to determine how water moves through your property. The high sand content suggests that many areas may drain faster than the state norm.
Gardening in Zone 7a
Boone County enjoys the mild winters of Hardiness Zone 7a, supporting a wide range of plants. The organic-rich soil is excellent for native woodland herbs and fast-draining vegetable plots. Start your garden journey now and benefit from the county's unique soil profile.
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 Boone County have?
Boone County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 29% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Boone County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Boone 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 Boone County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Boone County.
What crops or plants grow well in Boone County's soil?
Based on Boone 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 Boone County?
Boone 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Boone 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.