Etowah County Soil Data
Etowah County, Alabama
Avg pH
4.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Etowah County, Alabama
Highly Acidic Mountainous Soils
Etowah County features a sharp pH of 4.85, making it one of the more acidic environments in Alabama. This value is nearly two full points below the national median of 6.5, creating a specialized niche for native flora. Its overall soil score of 27.8 is comfortably above the state average of 22.5.
Sandy Silt and Structural Balance
The soil contains 45.8% sand and 33.3% silt, creating a medium-textured profile. Clay content is moderate at 16.4%, providing enough body to hold nutrients without becoming heavy and unmanageable. This blend allows for versatile land use across the county's varied topography.
Rich Organic Matter and Moisture
The soil contains 2.56% organic matter, significantly outperforming both state and national averages. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.147 in/in, these soils are naturally resilient and fertile. Plants here have better access to stored water than in many other Alabama counties.
Water Dynamics in Etowah
Data for dominant drainage classes is currently limited, but the soil's high water capacity suggests it holds moisture effectively. The relatively balanced sand and silt percentages usually result in moderate permeability. Local land managers should monitor for runoff in sloped areas to protect the high organic topsoil.
Diverse Planting in Zone 8a
Zone 8a allows for a wide variety of gardening, from cool-season greens to summer peppers. The high organic matter is a major asset for home gardeners looking to minimize synthetic fertilizers. Acid-loving shrubs like camellias will look stunning in this natural soil environment.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Etowah County have?
Etowah County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 46% sand, 33% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Etowah County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Etowah County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Etowah County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Etowah County.
What crops or plants grow well in Etowah County's soil?
Based on Etowah County's Loam texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Etowah County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Etowah County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Etowah 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.