Dale County Soil Data
Dale County, Alabama
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Dale County, Alabama
High Acidity in Dale County Soils
Dale County has an average pH of 5.04, making it more acidic than the state average of 5.21 and significantly below the national 6.5 median. This acidic environment strongly influences local plant selection and soil management strategies.
A Dominant Sand Composition
The soil is comprised of 67.9% sand, 17.9% silt, and 13.0% clay. This high sand content provides excellent drainage and easy workability, though it can lead to faster nutrient leaching during heavy rains.
Water Capacity and Organic Needs
Organic matter levels stand at 1.51%, trailing the state average of 1.74%. With an available water capacity of 0.112 in/in, the soil holds less moisture than the state average, requiring consistent irrigation and organic amendments.
Fast Drainage and Land Use
While specific drainage classes are not listed, the 67.9% sand content suggests the soil belongs to a high-infiltration hydrologic group. This makes the land well-suited for construction but demands more attention for water-intensive agriculture.
Thriving Gardens in Zone 8b
Dale County sits in Hardiness Zone 8b, which is perfect for heat-loving crops like peanuts and blueberries. With a Soil Score of 10.8, your garden will benefit from added compost and lime to balance the natural acidity.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Dale County have?
Dale County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 68% sand, 18% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Dale County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Dale 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 Dale County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Dale County.
What crops or plants grow well in Dale County's soil?
Based on Dale County's Sandy 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 Dale County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Dale County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Dale County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Alabama
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.