Lamar County Soil Data
Lamar County, Alabama
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.9
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lamar County, Alabama
The Most Acidic Soils of the Region
Lamar County exhibits an exceptionally acidic soil profile with a pH of 4.88. This is one of the lowest in the state, falling well below the national median of 6.5 and the Alabama average of 5.21.
High Sand and Low Clay
The soil is comprised of 56.9% sand, 27.9% silt, and 12.9% clay. This high sand percentage creates a coarse texture that drains rapidly but lacks the structural integrity of clay-rich soils.
Struggling to Retain Nutrients
Lamar's organic matter of 1.48% and available water capacity of 0.132 in/in both fall below the Alabama state averages. These figures suggest that the soil requires regular organic inputs to support intensive gardening or farming.
Fast Drainage Risks Leaching
Though specific hydrology data is not listed, the 56.9% sand content typically indicates high infiltration rates. While this prevents standing water, it can lead to the rapid leaching of essential plant nutrients into the groundwater.
Resilient Planting in Zone 8a
The 8a climate is forgiving, allowing for a wide variety of southern staples. While the soil score is 12.5, using raised beds and blueberries—which love acidic soil—will help you find immediate success.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lamar County have?
Lamar County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 57% sand, 28% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lamar County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lamar County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Lamar County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lamar County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lamar County's soil?
Based on Lamar County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Lamar County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lamar County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lamar County
Soil Verdict
Lamar 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
Lamar County closely matches the Alabama average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lamar 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.