Pike County Soil Data
Pike County, Alabama
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pike County, Alabama
Highly Acidic Soils in Pike
Pike County’s soil is quite acidic with an average pH of 5.10, which is below the Alabama state average of 5.21. Compared to the national median of 6.5, this level can significantly limit the availability of certain nutrients to plants.
A Very Sandy Growing Medium
The soil is overwhelmingly sandy at 65.3%, with only 11.9% clay and 16.3% silt. This high sand content means the soil is easy to dig, but it will drain very quickly and may struggle to keep plants hydrated.
Lower Fertility and Water Capacity
Organic matter is low at 1.00%, well below the state average of 1.74%. The available water capacity is also the lowest in the region at 0.099 in/in, suggesting that frequent irrigation and mulching are essential for success.
Rapid Drainage Challenges
A soil score of 5.9 highlights that this county faces significant agricultural hurdles. The 65.3% sand content points toward rapid drainage, meaning nutrients can wash away quickly if not managed carefully.
Focus on Sand-Tolerant Crops
In zone 8b, heat-loving plants that tolerate sandy soil—like watermelons and peanuts—will perform best. Adding heavy amounts of compost and organic mulch is the best way to improve your Pike County soil.
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 Pike County have?
Pike County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 65% sand, 16% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pike County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pike 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 Pike County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pike County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pike County's soil?
Based on Pike 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 Pike County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pike County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Pike County
Soil Verdict
Pike 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
Pike County closely matches the Alabama average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pike 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.