Monroe County Soil Data
Monroe County, Alabama
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Monroe County, Alabama
Classic Southern Acidic Soils
Monroe County has an average soil pH of 5.14, falling just under the state average of 5.21. This acidic profile is much lower than the national median of 6.5, a common trait for the soils of the Alabama coastal plain.
The Sand and Silt Balance
The soil composition is 56.2% sand and 26.8% silt, with 14.3% clay providing some structural stability. This mix allows for decent drainage while the silt and clay components help hold onto minerals better than purely sandy areas.
Building Up the Soil Base
Organic matter sits at 1.44%, which is lower than the state average of 1.74% and the national 2.0% benchmark. Available water capacity is also slightly below the state norm at 0.134 in/in, indicating a need for consistent irrigation.
Moderate Drainage for Forested Land
While specific drainage classes are not provided in the data, the 56.2% sand content usually offers moderate to good drainage. The overall soil score of 15.9 suggests that consistent amendments are necessary to maximize agricultural productivity.
Heat-Tolerant Varieties Thrive Here
Gardeners in hardiness zone 8b can find success with heat-tolerant crops like peppers, tomatoes, and blueberries. Supplementing with compost will help improve the low organic matter and keep your plants thriving through the summer.
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 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Monroe County have?
Monroe County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 56% sand, 27% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Monroe County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Monroe 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 Monroe County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Monroe County.
What crops or plants grow well in Monroe County's soil?
Based on Monroe County's Sandy Loam 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 Monroe County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Monroe County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Monroe County
Soil Verdict
Monroe 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
Monroe County closely matches the Alabama average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Monroe 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.