Putnam County Soil Data
Putnam County, West Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.6
Texture
Very channery loam
Drainage
Somewhat excessively drained
Organic Matter
13.3%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Putnam County, West Virginia
Entisols: Putnam's Young and Active Soils
Putnam County's soil pH of 5.64 is significantly higher than the state average of 5.25. The dominant taxonomic order is Entisols, which are relatively young soils with little profile development. This higher pH makes it one of the more versatile counties for agriculture in West Virginia.
The Silt-Rich 'Very Channery Loam'
The soil is classified as a very channery loam, containing 43.9% silt, 21.7% sand, and 16.5% clay. 'Channery' refers to the thin, flat rock fragments found throughout the soil. This unique texture provides excellent structure but can be stony to work with your hands.
Moderate Fertility and Good Retention
Organic matter is lower here at 13.31%, compared to the state's 21.03%. However, the available water capacity is 0.143 in/in, which is slightly better than the state average. This means the soil is efficient at holding onto the moisture it does receive.
Somewhat Excessively Drained Soils
The county's soil is 'somewhat excessively drained' and belongs to Hydrologic Group C. This means water moves through the profile quickly, which is great for preventing root rot but may require more frequent watering. The rocky fragments in the loam help facilitate this rapid drainage.
A Longer Season in Zone 7a
As a zone 7a county, Putnam enjoy a milder climate that supports a wide range of crops from melons to okra. The 5.64 pH is a great starting point for most garden vegetables with minimal liming. Dig into your channery loam this spring and see what this productive soil can do!
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Somewhat excessively drained
Water is removed rapidly. Soils may be droughty and have limited water-holding capacity.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Very channery loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.6. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Putnam County have?
Putnam County's soil is classified as Very channery loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 44% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Putnam County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Putnam County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Putnam County?
Putnam County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Putnam County's soil?
Based on Putnam County's Very channery loam texture, pH of 5.6, and Somewhat excessively drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Putnam County?
Putnam 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Putnam County
Soil Verdict
Putnam 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
Putnam County is somewhat warmer than the West Virginia statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Putnam 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.