Crops Suitability Tool in Loudoun County

The Crops Suitability Tool combines soil types, aspect (slope orientation), and percentage of slope to determine the best and least suitable sites in which to grow crops in Loudoun County. It includes different types of Agricultural Soils (Prime Farmland, Secondary Cropland, Grassland Agriculture, Orchard Land, Woodland Use and Wildlife) and its grade of suitability for grapes, tree fruits, hops, vegetables, flowers, herbs, small fruits, field crops, pasture and hay.A spatial model uses existing geographic data to predict an outcome. In this application, we combined soil types, aspect (slope orientation), and percentage of slope to determine the best and least suitable site in which to grow crops in Loudoun County, Virginia. It includes different types of Agricultural Soils (Prime Farmland, Secondary Cropland, Grassland Agriculture, Orchard Land, Woodland Use and Wildlife) and its grade of suitability for grapes, tree fruits, hops, vegetables (ethnic crops), flowers, herbs, and small fruits, field crops, pasture, and hay.This tool does not account for the incidence and prevalence of any type of pests (weed, insects, and diseases -nematodes, fungi, bacteria, or viruses) or weather conditions that can affect crops. The accuracy of the predicted outcomes is not 100% (for example: 17B soils in a concave position are not suitable for growing perennial crops or high cash valued crops); therefore, it is highly recommended to contact VCE Loudoun Commercial Horticulturist Beth Sastre to get a soil map report of the property and/or to have a site evaluation for further recommendation.We encourage farmers, beginner farmers, people interested in farming, and realtors to use this tool to make guided decisions before starting a crop for the first time or buying land. If you see major discrepancies while using this tool, please report them.

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                                            [
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  "business",
  "crops",
  "economic development",
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  "open data",
  "soils"
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