Preston County Soil Data
Preston County, West Virginia
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
20.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Preston County, West Virginia
Classic Appalachian Acidic Soils
Preston County soils have a pH of 5.02, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.25. This acidity is common for the region but requires attention if you are growing vegetables or fruit trees. The overall soil score of 38.4 reflects the challenges of farming in this rugged terrain.
Balanced Mineral Texture
The soil contains 34.4% silt, 23.4% sand, and 14.5% clay. This mix provides a stable structure that isn't as heavy as pure clay but has enough body to hold nutrients. It offers a fair balance of workability and durability for local agriculture.
Healthy Organic Matter Levels
Preston County has 20.64% organic matter, nearly matching the state average of 21.03%. However, its available water capacity of 0.123 in/in is lower than the state's 0.142. This suggests that while the soil is fertile, it may struggle to retain moisture during dry periods.
Managing Moisture in Silt-Rich Soil
With a lower-than-average water capacity, these soils may require supplemental irrigation during West Virginia's dry spells. The 34.4% silt content helps with initial absorption but may not hold water deep in the root zone. Ensuring good ground cover will help prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.
Hardy Crops for Zone 6b
The 6b hardiness zone in Preston County is great for berries, hardy grapes, and root vegetables. The 5.02 pH is well-suited for azaleas and mountain laurel, which are regional favorites. Start a compost pile now to help boost your soil's water-holding capacity for next season.
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 Preston County have?
Preston County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 34% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Preston County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Preston County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Preston County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Preston County.
What crops or plants grow well in Preston County's soil?
Based on Preston County's Loam texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Preston County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Preston County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Preston 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.