Sumter County Soil Data
Sumter County, Alabama
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sumter County, Alabama
Superior soil quality in Sumter County
Sumter County presents a pH of 5.51, making it one of the less acidic profiles in Alabama compared to the 5.21 state average. Even with this relative advantage, it remains nearly a full point below the national median of 6.5.
Clay-rich soil improves nutrient storage
A substantial clay content of 23.8% defines this soil, accompanied by 39.5% sand and 36.7% silt. This higher clay fraction improves nutrient retention but makes the soil heavier and more prone to clumping when wet.
Consistent moisture access for local crops
The organic matter content is 1.69%, nearly matching the Alabama average of 1.74%. Its available water capacity of 0.151 in/in provides reliable moisture access for plant roots, exceeding the state average by a healthy margin.
Soil density resists drought effectively
The 23.8% clay level often points to slower permeability and higher water-holding potential compared to sandy neighbors. Farmers here likely benefit from the soil's ability to resist drought compared to sandier coastal areas.
A productive choice for Alabama gardens
Hardiness Zone 8b supports diverse agriculture from cotton to pecans. The county’s soil score of 32.8 is significantly higher than the state average of 22.5, making this a strong choice for a productive home 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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Sumter County have?
Sumter County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 39% sand, 37% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sumter County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sumter County's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Sumter County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sumter County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sumter County's soil?
Based on Sumter County's Loam texture, pH of 5.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Sumter County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sumter County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Sumter County
Soil Verdict
Sumter 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
Sumter County closely matches the Alabama average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sumter 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.