Wilcox County Soil Data
Wilcox County, Alabama
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Wilcox County, Alabama
Sharp Acidity Defines Local Dirt
Wilcox County features acidic soil with a pH of 5.16, which sits near the state average of 5.21. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this area, the acidity remains significantly higher than the 6.5 national median.
Clay-Rich Soil Offers Strong Structure
The soil consists of 44.1% sand, 30.9% silt, and a substantial 21.0% clay. This higher clay content improves the soil's ability to hold onto minerals, though it may become sticky and difficult to plow when wet.
Thirsty Soils with High Water Capacity
Organic matter is lower than the state average at 1.64%, trailing the national 2.0% standard. However, the available water capacity of 0.141 in/in exceeds the Alabama average, offering better-than-average drought resistance.
Steady Hydrology for Stable Farming
While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the balanced mix of sand and clay generally supports steady moisture movement. The soil score of 21.2 places the county just slightly behind the Alabama average of 22.5.
Thriving Gardens in Zone 8b
Heat-loving vegetables like okra and sweet potatoes thrive in Wilcox County's zone 8b climate. Residents can boost their garden's performance by incorporating compost to raise the 1.64% organic matter level.
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 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Wilcox County have?
Wilcox County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 31% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wilcox County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wilcox County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Wilcox County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Wilcox County.
What crops or plants grow well in Wilcox County's soil?
Based on Wilcox County's Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Wilcox County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Wilcox County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Wilcox County
Soil Verdict
Wilcox 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
Wilcox County closely matches the Alabama average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wilcox 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.