Franklin County Soil Data
Franklin County, Alabama
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Franklin County, Alabama
Acidic Foundations in Northwest Alabama
Franklin County soils maintain an average pH of 5.09, placing them below both state and national benchmarks. This acidic profile is typical for the region but requires careful monitoring for sensitive crops. The overall soil score of 21.2 is nearly identical to the Alabama state average.
Balanced Sand and Silt Mix
The physical makeup is 46.0% sand, 33.9% silt, and 17.6% clay. This relatively even distribution provides a soil that is structurally sound yet easy for roots to penetrate. The clay content is high enough to offer some nutrient buffering compared to purely sandy regions.
Reliable Moisture for Growing Crops
Organic matter is slightly low at 1.60%, trailing the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity is a strong 0.147 in/in, which is better than the state average of 0.138. This makes the soil more drought-resilient, helping local farmers maintain yields during dry spells.
Franklin County's Hydrologic Profile
Official drainage class data is not currently recorded, but the high available water capacity indicates a soil that absorbs and holds rain well. The balanced texture usually suggests moderate drainage that isn't excessively fast or slow. Site-specific assessment is best for planning large construction projects or ponds.
Cooler Climates in Zone 7b
Franklin County is slightly cooler than its southern neighbors, falling into Hardiness Zone 7b. This climate is ideal for apples, berries, and a wide variety of cool-weather vegetables. Utilize the high water retention to start a garden that stays hydrated even in the July heat.
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 Franklin County have?
Franklin County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 46% sand, 34% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Franklin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Franklin County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Franklin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Franklin County.
What crops or plants grow well in Franklin County's soil?
Based on Franklin County's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Franklin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Franklin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Franklin 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.