Kanawha County Soil Data
Kanawha County, West Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
13.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Kanawha County, West Virginia
Classic West Virginia acidity
Kanawha County reports an average soil pH of 5.34, placing it just above the state average of 5.25. Like much of the region, it remains significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median, often requiring lime for vegetables.
A lighter, manageable soil texture
The soil composition is 37.4% silt, 27.3% sand, and 15.7% clay. This balance suggests a lighter texture that is generally easier to till than the heavier clays found in neighboring regions.
Rich organic matter, lower water storage
Organic matter is a strong 13.43%, which far exceeds the 2.0% national average. However, the available water capacity of 0.112 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.142, meaning soils may dry out faster.
Managing moisture levels
The lower water capacity suggests a need for consistent mulching to preserve moisture. Keeping the ground covered will help protect the soil from the intense summer heat typical of the Kanawha Valley.
Diverse options for Zone 7a
As a Zone 7a region, Kanawha County provides a welcoming environment for a diverse garden. It is a fantastic place to grow heat-loving crops like melons and okra alongside hardy perennials.
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 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Kanawha County have?
Kanawha County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 27% sand, 37% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Kanawha County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Kanawha County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Kanawha County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Kanawha County.
What crops or plants grow well in Kanawha County's soil?
Based on Kanawha County's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Kanawha County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Kanawha County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Kanawha County
Soil Verdict
Kanawha 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
Kanawha County is somewhat warmer than the West Virginia statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Kanawha 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.