Virginia Cooperative Extension – Loudoun (VCE Loudoun), in partnership with the Loudoun County Office of Mapping and Geographic Information, announces the release of its Crops Suitability Tool. This interactive map assists people in identifying optimal sites for different crops in Loudoun County. Farmers, prospective farmers and real estate agents are encouraged to use the mapping tool to make guided decisions before starting a crop for the first time or buying land for agricultural purposes.
The Crops Suitability Tool identifies the best and least suitable sites in which to grow crops in Loudoun County by combining and visualizing data about soil types, aspect (slope orientation) and percentage of slope. It includes information about different types of agricultural soils and provides a grade of suitability for crops, including grapes, tree fruits, hops, vegetables, flowers, herbs, small fruits, field crops, pasture and hay.
Instructions on how to use the Crops Suitability Tool can be found at loudoun.gov/CropsTool.
Anyone who has questions about the tool is encouraged to email Commercial Horticulturalist Beth Sastre.