Jefferson County Soil Data
Jefferson County, Alabama
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jefferson County, Alabama
Highly Acidic Industrial Heartlands
Jefferson County features very acidic soil with a pH of 5.01, which is notably lower than the Alabama average of 5.21. This acidity level is nearly 1.5 points below the national median of 6.5, requiring significant amendment for traditional gardens.
Loamy Texture with Low Clay
The mineral makeup is 38.7% sand, 37.2% silt, and 18.1% clay. This composition offers a relatively loose soil structure that is easy to dig but may struggle with nutrient leaching over time.
Solid Water Holding, Low Organic Content
Organic matter is low at 1.37%, trailing the state average of 1.74%. However, the available water capacity of 0.143 in/in is better than the state benchmark, ensuring plants have access to moisture during the hot Alabama summer.
Managing Runoff in Urban Spaces
While specific drainage classes are not provided, the soil's moderate water capacity suggests it can handle typical rainfall without immediate saturation. Managing the low organic matter is essential for improving the soil's overall health and structure.
Versatile Growing in Zone 8a
In USDA hardiness zone 8a, Jefferson County gardeners can grow everything from azaleas to zucchini. A soil score of 15.7 indicates that adding lime and compost will yield the best results for your home garden.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Jefferson County have?
Jefferson County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 37% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jefferson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jefferson County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Jefferson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jefferson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jefferson County's soil?
Based on Jefferson County's Loam texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Jefferson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jefferson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Jefferson County
Soil Verdict
Jefferson County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°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
Jefferson County closely matches the Alabama average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8a-8b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jefferson 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.