Dallas County Soil Data
Dallas County, Alabama
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Dallas County, Alabama
Dallas County's River-Valley Acidity
Dallas County's soil has an average pH of 5.33, which is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.21. However, it still falls well below the national 6.5 median, suggesting a need for lime in many agricultural applications.
A Balanced Blend of Soil Textures
The soil mix features 54.7% sand, 25.3% silt, and 16.6% clay. This composition offers better nutrient retention than sandier neighboring counties while still providing enough drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Strong Water Capacity for Crops
The available water capacity is 0.133 in/in, which is very close to the Alabama state average of 0.138. While organic matter is 1.48%, below the state average, the soil's structure provides a solid foundation for plant health.
Water Management in the Black Belt
Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the mix of silt and clay indicates moderate drainage qualities. This makes the county versatile for both row crops and pasture land, provided water is managed during wet seasons.
Prime Growing in Zone 8b
Dallas County resides in Hardiness Zone 8b, allowing for a long growing season of southern staples like collards and pecans. With a Soil Score of 20.1, your land is well-positioned for a successful and productive garden.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Dallas County have?
Dallas County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 25% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Dallas County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Dallas County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Dallas County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Dallas County.
What crops or plants grow well in Dallas County's soil?
Based on Dallas County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Dallas County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Dallas County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Dallas County
Soil Verdict
Dallas County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 15°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. 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.
Regional Context
Dallas County closely matches the Alabama average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Dallas 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.