Fayette County Soil Data
Fayette County, Alabama
Avg pH
4.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Fayette County, Alabama
The Intense Acidity of Fayette
Fayette County has a pH of 4.82, which is significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.21 and far from the 6.5 national ideal. This creates a challenging environment for many row crops without intensive soil management. The county’s soil score of 19.2 reflects these chemical constraints.
A Gritty and Silty Blend
The soil is comprised of 49.5% sand and 33.8% silt, creating a texture that leans toward a sandy loam. With 15.6% clay, the soil offers a good compromise between drainage and stability. This physical makeup is generally easy to work, though it lacks the heavy nutrient-holding power of clay-rich soils.
Above Average Water Retention
Fayette's organic matter sits at 1.69%, nearly matching the state average of 1.74%. Interestingly, the available water capacity of 0.144 in/in is higher than the state benchmark. This means the soil is surprisingly good at keeping moisture available to roots during the hot Alabama summer.
Understanding Fayette's Water Flow
While specific drainage classification data is unavailable, the physical composition suggests moderate to fast water movement. The high water capacity indicates that while water moves, the soil fibers retain a useful amount for plant life. Careful management of surface runoff is recommended to prevent erosion of the silty topsoil.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a
Gardeners in Zone 8a can enjoy a long growing season with mild winters. Potatoes and strawberries are excellent choices for this sandy, acidic soil. With a bit of lime and organic compost, your Fayette County backyard can become a lush oasis.
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 Fayette County have?
Fayette County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 34% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Fayette County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Fayette County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Fayette County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Fayette County.
What crops or plants grow well in Fayette County's soil?
Based on Fayette County's Loam texture, pH of 4.8, 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 Fayette County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Fayette County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Fayette 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.