Houston County Soil Data
Houston County, Alabama
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Houston County, Alabama
Acidic Sands of Deep Alabama
Houston County's soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.07, falling below the Alabama state average of 5.21. This level is far more acidic than the national median of 6.5, creating a specialized environment for acid-loving flora.
Dominantly Sandy Texture
The soil contains 71.2% sand, 15.8% silt, and only 10.0% clay. This gritty mix offers effortless tilling and digging but lacks the natural structure found in clay-rich soils.
Strong Organic Matter for Sands
At 1.86%, the organic matter content is surprisingly high, beating the state average of 1.74%. However, the low available water capacity of 0.101 in/in reflects the difficulty this sandy soil has in holding onto moisture during dry spells.
Rapid Water Movement
Specific hydrologic group data is limited for this area, but the 71.2% sand composition implies high permeability. These soils generally drain quickly after heavy rainfall, which is a major advantage for building foundations.
Tropical Vibes in Zone 9a
As one of Alabama's warmest regions in zone 9a, Houston County supports citrus and long-season crops. With a soil score of 14.9, the key to a great garden here is consistent watering and frequent organic amendments.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Houston County have?
Houston County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 71% sand, 16% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Houston County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Houston 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 Houston County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Houston County.
What crops or plants grow well in Houston County's soil?
Based on Houston County's Loamy Sand 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 Houston County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Houston County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Houston County
Soil Verdict
Houston County is in USDA hardiness zone 9a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 20°F. Warm winters keep soil biology active nearly year-round, accelerating decomposition but increasing pest and disease pressure in topsoil.
Planting Guidance
Tropical and subtropical plants are viable. Year-round gardening is possible, though summer heat may limit some cool-season crops. Frost is rare; tender plants can overwinter with minimal protection. 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
Rapid organic matter turnover means soils can become nutrient-poor quickly; test annually and fertilize based on results. High soil temperatures favor certain soilborne pathogens; practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering.
Regional Context
Houston County is somewhat warmer than the Alabama statewide average. The zone range of 8b-9a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Houston 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.