Hale County Soil Data
Hale County, Alabama
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
C/D
Data Story
About Soil in Hale County, Alabama
Hale's Acidic Silt Loam Identity
Hale County's earth consists primarily of silt loam from the Ultisols taxonomic order. With a pH of 5.47, these soils are significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, though they remain less acidic than the Alabama state average of 5.21.
A Silty, Balanced Mineral Mix
The soil profile contains 41.3% sand, 34.0% silt, and 21.0% clay. This specific blend offers moderate workability but requires careful management to prevent compaction due to the significant silt and clay fractions.
High Fertility Potential for Alabama
Organic matter stands at 1.89%, which exceeds the state average of 1.74% and nears the national 2.0% benchmark. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.139 in/in, this soil provides a strong foundation for nutrient-rich plant growth.
Managed Drainage for Heavy Clay
The county is dominated by poorly drained soils categorized under hydrologic group C/D. This indicates high runoff potential and slow water infiltration, necessitating raised beds or drainage systems for most farming and building projects.
Abundant Growth in Zone 8b
Warm winters in USDA hardiness zone 8b allow for a long growing season of heat-loving crops. With its high soil score of 30.7, Hale County is an ideal place to start a productive vegetable garden or orchard.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hale County have?
Hale County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 34% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hale County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hale County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Hale County?
Hale County has a dominant drainage class of "Poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Hale County's soil?
Based on Hale County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.5, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Hale County?
Hale County's dominant soil order is Ultisols. Ultisols are highly weathered, clay-rich soils common in humid regions. They are low in natural fertility and often require lime and fertilizer for agriculture.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hale County
Soil Verdict
Hale 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
Hale County closely matches the Alabama average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hale 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.