Geneva County Soil Data
Geneva County, Alabama
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Geneva County, Alabama
Acidic Sands of the Wiregrass
Geneva County soil is acidic with an average pH of 5.13, sitting just below the Alabama state average. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, which is common in the sandy Wiregrass region. The county's low soil score of 14.3 indicates significant challenges for intensive agriculture.
Predominantly Sandy Soil Structure
Almost 70% of Geneva's soil is sand, with silt at 18.9% and clay at a low 11.2%. This creates an extremely porous environment where water and nutrients move through very quickly. While this makes the ground easy to plow, it means the soil struggles to hold onto what plants need.
Low Moisture and Moderate Carbon
The available water capacity is just 0.106 in/in, well below the state average of 0.138. Organic matter sits at 1.69%, which is respectable for such sandy soil but still below the national average. Irrigation is almost always necessary here to keep plants healthy during the summer months.
Fast Drainage and High Permeability
While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high sand content guarantees rapid drainage and high permeability. This makes the area generally good for development but requires cautious use of fertilizers to prevent groundwater leaching. The soil lacks the clay 'stopper' needed to hold moisture near the surface.
Peanuts and More in Zone 8b
Geneva County’s 8b climate and sandy soil are the classic recipe for a successful peanut crop. Gardeners should focus on heat-loving plants and use plenty of mulch to conserve what little moisture the soil can hold. Dig in and start your Wiregrass garden by focusing on native, drought-tolerant species.
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 Geneva County have?
Geneva County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 70% sand, 19% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Geneva County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Geneva 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 Geneva County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Geneva County.
What crops or plants grow well in Geneva County's soil?
Based on Geneva County's Sandy 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 Geneva County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Geneva County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Geneva 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.