Henry County Soil Data
Henry County, Alabama
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Henry County, Alabama
Sandy Soils of the Coastal Plain
Henry County features an acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.31. While this is slightly above the state average of 5.21, it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring lime for many garden plants.
High Sand and Fast Drainage
The soil is overwhelmingly sandy at 71.1%, with only 17.2% silt and 11.7% clay. This composition ensures excellent workability and drainage but means the soil loses nutrients and moisture much faster than heavier loams.
Low Moisture Retention and Organic Matter
Organic matter sits at 1.52%, trailing both the state average of 1.74% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.102 in/in is among the lowest in the state, meaning frequent irrigation is often necessary.
Porosity Over Hydrology Data
While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the high sand content suggest naturally rapid drainage. This 71.1% sand fraction typically allows for quick water movement, which helps prevent root rot but complicates water management.
Thriving in Zone 8b Sands
Peanuts, pecans, and peppers flourish in Henry County's sandy texture and 8b hardiness zone. Gardeners can find success by heavily mulching and adding compost to boost the modest soil score of 15.4.
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: Loamy Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Henry County have?
Henry County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 71% sand, 17% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Henry County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Henry County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Henry County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Henry County.
What crops or plants grow well in Henry County's soil?
Based on Henry County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Henry County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Henry County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Henry 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.