Lauderdale County Soil Data
Lauderdale County, Alabama
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lauderdale County, Alabama
Silty Soils of the Tennessee Valley
Lauderdale County's soil pH of 5.20 sits almost perfectly at the Alabama state average of 5.21. However, this is still considerably more acidic than the national median of 6.5, suggesting a need for pH monitoring.
Rich Silt and Moderate Clay
This county features a silty profile with 53.5% silt and 22.4% clay. This combination provides a fine-textured soil that holds nutrients well but can become slick and hard to work when wet.
Excellent Water Retention Capacity
With an available water capacity of 0.168 in/in, this soil is far superior to the state average of 0.138 in/in. The organic matter content of 1.63% provides a solid base for sustaining plant life through varying weather.
Potential for Heavy Moisture
High silt and clay levels often lead to slower drainage, despite a lack of specific class data. Farmers and homeowners should be aware that the 22.4% clay content may hold water longer than the sandier soils of the south.
Abundant Harvests in Zone 7b
The 7b hardiness zone is perfect for cool-season vegetables and hearty fruit trees. A soil score of 29.5 makes Lauderdale a top-tier location in Alabama for establishing a high-yield 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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lauderdale County have?
Lauderdale County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 54% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lauderdale County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lauderdale County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Lauderdale County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lauderdale County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lauderdale County's soil?
Based on Lauderdale County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Lauderdale County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lauderdale County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lauderdale 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.