McDowell County Soil Data
McDowell County, West Virginia
Avg pH
3.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
36.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in McDowell County, West Virginia
Highly Acidic Appalachian Entisols
McDowell County features highly acidic Entisols with a pH of 2.97, far below the state average of 5.25. This extreme acidity suggests a unique chemical environment that differs sharply from the national median of 6.5.
Light Mineral Mix with Low Clay
The soil profile contains 23.7% sand and 16.5% silt, creating a relatively light mineral mix. With only 8.5% clay, the soil lacks the typical heavy structure found in many West Virginia valleys.
Surprising Organic Matter, Low Water
Organic matter reaches 36.87%, which is well above the already high state average of 21.03%. However, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.066 in/in, meaning plants may struggle to access moisture despite the rich organic content.
Rapid Drainage in Young Soils
As Entisols, these soils represent 'young' earth with limited horizon development. The low clay content and low water capacity suggest that while drainage might be rapid, the soil struggles to hold onto essential nutrients.
Extended Seasons in Zone 7a
Located in Zone 7a, McDowell offers a slightly longer growing season than its northern neighbors. Acid-loving plants like blueberries thrive here, and gardeners can succeed by focusing on species that tolerate low water retention.
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 McDowell County have?
McDowell County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 17% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is McDowell County's soil acidic or alkaline?
McDowell County's soil has a low pH of 3.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for McDowell County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for McDowell County.
What crops or plants grow well in McDowell County's soil?
Based on McDowell County's Loam texture, pH of 3.0, 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 McDowell County?
McDowell County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McDowell 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.