Macon County Soil Data
Macon County, Alabama
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Macon County, Alabama
Acidic and Gritty Coastal Plain Soils
Macon County soil reports a pH of 5.33, remaining more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but slightly more alkaline than the state average. This acidity level is typical for the weathered landscapes of central Alabama.
Sand-Heavy Mix for Rapid Warming
The soil composition is 53.9% sand, which helps the ground warm up quickly for early spring planting. However, with only 15.6% clay, the soil can struggle to anchor nutrients during heavy rains.
Lower Water Storage Challenges Farmers
The available water capacity is 0.116 in/in, which is lower than the Alabama average of 0.138. This limited storage and 1.58% organic matter contribute to a soil score of 18.0, indicating a need for careful soil management.
Fast-Moving Water Through the Profile
While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high sand percentage implies very rapid drainage. Landowners should expect the ground to dry out quickly after rain, making irrigation a critical tool for success.
Resilient Gardening in Zone 8b
Heat-tolerant crops like sweet potatoes and okra thrive in Macon's well-warmed sandy soils. With regular mulching to preserve moisture, your garden can overcome the low water capacity of the natural terrain.
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 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Macon County have?
Macon County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 25% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Macon County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Macon 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 Macon County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Macon County.
What crops or plants grow well in Macon County's soil?
Based on Macon County's Sandy Loam 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 Macon County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Macon County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Macon County
Soil Verdict
Macon County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 15°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
Macon County closely matches the Alabama average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Macon 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.