Lewis County Soil Data
Lewis County, West Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
12.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lewis County, West Virginia
High-scoring soil for the region
Lewis County boasts a soil pH of 5.85, making it much less acidic than the 5.25 state average. While still below the 6.5 national median, this contributes to its impressive overall soil score of 59.6.
Silty-clay mix for stability
The soil is heavy on silt at 46.0%, balanced by 20.4% clay and 18.1% sand. This silty-clay mix provides excellent structure for holding onto nutrients while remaining manageable for backyard farming.
Exceptional organic richness
At 12.47%, the organic matter content is over six times the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.146 in/in also sits comfortably above the state average, indicating high drought resistance.
Superior water retention
The high silt and clay levels suggest a soil that holds water extremely well during dry spells. Farmers should monitor for slow drainage during heavy West Virginia rainfalls to ensure roots stay healthy.
Ideal conditions in Zone 6b
Lewis County is in Hardiness Zone 6b, offering a classic climate for diverse vegetable gardening. The combination of high organic matter and decent pH makes this an ideal spot for a thriving home orchard.
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 5.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lewis County have?
Lewis County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 46% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lewis County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lewis County's soil has a pH of 5.9, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Lewis County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lewis County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lewis County's soil?
Based on Lewis County's Loam texture, pH of 5.9, 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 Lewis County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lewis County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lewis County
Soil Verdict
Lewis County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Lewis County closely matches the West Virginia average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lewis 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.