Braxton County Soil Data
Braxton County, West Virginia
Avg pH
5.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
25.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Braxton County, West Virginia
Braxton’s Moderate Acidity Levels
The soil in Braxton County has an average pH of 5.68, placing it well above the state average of 5.25. While still more acidic than the national 6.5 median, this level is relatively favorable for many regional forest species. No specific taxonomic order is recorded for the county's dominant soil types.
Balanced Texture for Easy Tilling
The soil contains 23.7% sand and 29.5% silt, creating a medium-textured ground that avoids extreme heaviness. A low clay content of 11.6% ensures that the soil does not become overly sticky or difficult to work when wet. This mix provides a stable base for various land uses.
Exceptional Organic Matter Levels
Braxton County features a remarkable 25.91% organic matter, exceeding the state average of 21.03%. However, the available water capacity is 0.114 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.142 in/in. This suggests that while the soil is nutrient-dense, it requires consistent watering to support lush growth.
Local Hydrologic Insights
Detailed drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unavailable for Braxton County. The combination of high organic matter and low water capacity suggests unique drainage characteristics that gardeners should monitor. Observational testing is recommended before installing permanent irrigation or structures.
Reliable Growing in Zone 6b
Braxton County’s 6b hardiness zone is well-suited for traditional Appalachian crops like beans and squash. The high organic content provides a massive head start for any home garden or small farm. Get outside and plant today to take advantage of this rich, organic earth.
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 Braxton County have?
Braxton County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 30% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Braxton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Braxton County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Braxton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Braxton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Braxton County's soil?
Based on Braxton County's Loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 Braxton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Braxton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Braxton 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.