Washington County Soil Data
Washington County, Alabama
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.0
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
B/D
Data Story
About Soil in Washington County, Alabama
Acidic Entisols Lead the Landscape
Washington County is dominated by Entisols with a silt loam texture and a sharp pH of 5.04. This acidity is lower than the Alabama average of 5.21 and falls well below the national median of 6.5.
A Gritty Mix with High Sand Content
The soil contains a high 60.8% sand fraction paired with 25.6% silt and only 12.5% clay. This composition ensures the ground is easy to work, though it struggles to retain nutrients compared to heavier clay soils.
Organic Matter Leads the State Average
Organic matter measures 1.76%, which slightly edges out the Alabama average of 1.74% but remains below the 2.0% national benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.137 in/in provides a standard moisture reservoir for local crops.
Poor Drainage Challenges Local Builders
Despite the sandy texture, these soils are classified as poorly drained and belong to hydrologic group B/D. This combination requires careful water management to prevent saturation during heavy Alabama rains.
Perfect Potential for Blueberries and Pecans
Hardiness zone 8b provides a long growing season for acid-loving crops like blueberries and pecans. Adding lime can help raise the pH to improve the current soil score of 19.5.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Washington County have?
Washington County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 61% sand, 26% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Washington County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Washington County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Washington County?
Washington County has a dominant drainage class of "Poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Washington County's soil?
Based on Washington County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.0, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Washington County?
Washington County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Washington County
Soil Verdict
Washington 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
Washington County closely matches the Alabama average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Washington 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.