Lincoln County Soil Data
Lincoln County, West Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
31.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lincoln County, West Virginia
Sharp acidity in Lincoln County
Lincoln County has a very acidic soil profile with a pH of 4.36, significantly lower than the state average of 5.25. This is well below the national 6.5 median and usually requires lime for most standard crops.
Silt and sand dominate the mix
The soil consists of 31.3% silt, 20.8% sand, and 12.1% clay. This relatively low clay content helps with drainage but may lead to more frequent leaching of nutrients compared to heavier soils.
Remarkable organic matter levels
The organic matter content is remarkably high at 31.09%, which far exceeds the 21.03% state average. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.124 in/in is slightly below the state benchmark of 0.142.
Acidic and absorbent earth
The high organic matter and lower clay percentage usually indicate a spongy soil texture. However, the extreme acidity can limit the biological activity needed for optimal nutrient cycling and plant health.
Berry-friendly Zone 7a
Lincoln County's Zone 7a status provides a long, warm window for gardeners. If you manage the acidity, the high organic matter offers a massive head start for growing berries and acid-loving shrubs.
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 4.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lincoln County have?
Lincoln County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 31% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lincoln County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lincoln County's soil has a low pH of 4.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Lincoln County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lincoln County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lincoln County's soil?
Based on Lincoln County's Loam texture, pH of 4.4, 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 Lincoln County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lincoln County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lincoln County
Soil Verdict
Lincoln 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
Lincoln County is somewhat warmer than the West Virginia statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lincoln 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.