Jefferson County Soil Data
Jefferson County, West Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jefferson County, West Virginia
Slightly acidic Appalachian earth
Jefferson County features a pH of 5.43, which is slightly higher than the state average of 5.25 but still below the national 6.5 median. This mildly acidic profile is common for West Virginia and suits many native forest species.
Silty soils with good workability
The soil is a complex mix of 46.5% silt, 26.3% sand, and 17.9% clay. This silty balance generally offers good workability and prevents the extreme compaction often found in heavier clay soils.
Strong water capacity for crops
Organic matter stands at 3.88%, well above the 2.0% national average. With an available water capacity of 0.160 in/in, these soils hold moisture significantly better than the state average of 0.142.
Retaining the mountain moisture
The high silt content and water capacity suggest the ground retains moisture effectively throughout the season. This requires careful planning for irrigation to avoid oversaturation during wet Appalachian springs.
Thriving in a longer season
Falling into Hardiness Zone 7a, Jefferson County enjoys a relatively long growing season for the state. Gardeners can find great success with tomatoes, peppers, and even more delicate herbs like rosemary.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Jefferson County have?
Jefferson County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 46% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jefferson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jefferson 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 Jefferson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jefferson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jefferson County's soil?
Based on Jefferson County's 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 Jefferson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jefferson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Jefferson County
Soil Verdict
Jefferson County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Jefferson County is somewhat warmer than the West Virginia statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jefferson 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.