Greenbrier County Soil Data
Greenbrier County, West Virginia
Avg pH
4.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
51.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Greenbrier County, West Virginia
Highly Acidic Forest Soils
Greenbrier County has a very acidic soil profile with an average pH of 4.69, which is lower than both the state (5.25) and national (6.5) averages. This acidity is a hallmark of the region's intense organic cycles and forest history. The county earns a soil score of 36.2, indicating significant challenges for traditional alkaline-loving crops.
Unconventional Mineral Content
The soil shows unusually low mineral percentages, with 7.2% sand, 14.8% silt, and 4.6% clay. This suggests the soil is overwhelmingly composed of non-mineral materials or unique geologic formations. Such a profile creates a distinct physical environment that differs from the typical silt-heavy West Virginia landscape.
Exceptional Organic Density
Greenbrier boasts an incredible organic matter content of 51.50%, more than double the state average and 25 times the national average. Despite this, the available water capacity is 0.109 in/in, which is lower than the state average of 0.142. This indicates that while the soil is nutrient-dense, it may not hold water as effectively as other regions.
Unique Drainage Dynamics
The low clay and silt percentages, combined with massive organic matter, suggest a very porous soil structure. While specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the lower AWC of 0.109 indicates that water may move through this soil quickly. This creates a need for careful irrigation management during dry Appalachian summers.
Ideal for Acid-Loving Plants
In USDA Zone 6b, Greenbrier County is a perfect home for blueberries, huckleberries, and evergreens that thrive in acidic conditions. Most vegetable gardens will require lime amendments to balance the 4.69 pH for better yield. Capitalize on the record-high organic matter to build a unique, productive mountain garden.
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 Greenbrier County have?
Greenbrier County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 7% sand, 15% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Greenbrier County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Greenbrier County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Greenbrier County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Greenbrier County.
What crops or plants grow well in Greenbrier County's soil?
Based on Greenbrier County's Loam texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Greenbrier County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Greenbrier County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Greenbrier 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.