Pocahontas County Soil Data
Pocahontas County, West Virginia
Avg pH
4.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
53.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pocahontas County, West Virginia
The Most Acidic Soils in the Region
Pocahontas County has a very low pH of 4.50, far more acidic than the state average of 5.25 and the national median of 6.5. Despite this extreme acidity, the county earns a high soil score of 67.4. This indicates a unique, specialized soil environment that is highly productive for the right plants.
A Silty, Low-Clay Texture
The composition is quite light, featuring 14.8% silt, 8.0% sand, and only 4.5% clay. This creates a very friable soil that is exceptionally easy to dig and plant in. However, the lack of clay means the soil relies almost entirely on its organic matter for structure.
Massive Organic Matter Reserves
The organic matter in Pocahontas County is an incredible 52.97%, more than double the state average of 21.03%. This fuels a massive available water capacity of 0.353 in/in. These soils act like a sponge, holding vast amounts of water and nutrients for plants.
Exceptional Water Retention Properties
The high available water capacity of 0.353 in/in is more than double the state average of 0.142. While drainage class data is missing, such high organic levels often indicate moist, boggy, or high-altitude conditions. Plants here rarely suffer from drought, but they may face challenges from saturated roots.
High-Altitude Gardening in Zone 6a
In zone 6a, you must choose plants that can handle the county's cold winters and high acidity. Cranberries, blueberries, and native evergreens find these conditions ideal. For food crops, focus on raised beds with lime to balance the intense 4.50 pH for the best results.
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 Pocahontas County have?
Pocahontas County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 8% sand, 15% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pocahontas County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pocahontas County's soil has a low pH of 4.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Pocahontas County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pocahontas County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pocahontas County's soil?
Based on Pocahontas County's Loam texture, pH of 4.5, 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 Pocahontas County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pocahontas County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pocahontas 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.