Lewis County Soil Data
Lewis County, West Virginia
Avg 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
Frequently 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.
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.