Upshur County Soil Data
Upshur County, West Virginia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Very channery loam
Drainage
Somewhat excessively drained
Organic Matter
25.8%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Upshur County, West Virginia
Stony Loams Define Upshur's Entisols
Upshur County is dominated by Entisols with a very channery loam texture and an average pH of 5.42. This makes the soil slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.25, though it remains well below the national median of 6.5.
A Sandy and Silty Mineral Mix
The soil composition features 16.7% sand, 33.5% silt, and 13.7% clay. This mixture provides decent workability, although the high percentage of stone fragments common in channery loams can challenge traditional tilling.
High Organic Matter, Lower Water Storage
Organic matter is exceptionally high at 25.75%, far exceeding the state average of 21.03%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.114 in/in is lower than the state average of 0.142, meaning plants may need more frequent watering.
Rapid Drainage in Hydrologic Group A
The soil is classified as somewhat excessively drained and belongs to hydrologic group A. These characteristics mean water moves through the profile quickly, reducing the risk of puddling but increasing the potential for mid-summer drought stress.
Growing Success in Zone 6b
With a soil score of 46.2 and a 6b hardiness zone, Upshur is ideal for cool-weather crops and native berries. Gardeners can maximize results by adding lime to balance the acidity and mulching to conserve soil moisture.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Upshur County have?
Upshur County's soil is classified as Very channery loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 17% sand, 34% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Upshur County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Upshur County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Upshur County?
Upshur 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 Upshur County's soil?
Based on Upshur County's Very channery loam texture, pH of 5.4, and Somewhat excessively drained, 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 Upshur County?
Upshur 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: Upshur County
Soil Verdict
Upshur County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Upshur County closely matches the West Virginia average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Upshur 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.