Winston County Soil Data
Winston County, Alabama
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Winston County, Alabama
Challenging Acidity in North Alabama
Winston County records a pH of 5.09, which is considerably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH contributes to a soil score of 14.6, indicating significant management needs for most garden plants.
Sand and Silt Dominance
The local profile is 52.3% sand and 34.5% silt, with a relatively small 13.2% clay component. This mix provides excellent aeration for roots but may require more frequent fertilization due to the low clay content.
Strong Water Retention Despite Low Organic Matter
Organic matter is quite low at 1.27%, trailing far behind the state average of 1.74%. Remarkably, the available water capacity of 0.140 in/in still beats the Alabama average, ensuring roots stay hydrated.
Predictable Water Movement for Gardeners
Specific drainage classifications are not listed, but the high sand and silt levels suggest water moves through the profile effectively. This rapid drainage helps prevent root rot but can lead to nutrient leaching.
Cooler Seasons in Zone 7b
Winston County sits in hardiness zone 7b, making it a great spot for summer beans and tomatoes. Using heavy mulch will help compensate for the low 1.27% organic matter and protect the soil's moisture.
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 Winston County have?
Winston County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 52% sand, 35% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Winston County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Winston 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 Winston County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Winston County.
What crops or plants grow well in Winston County's soil?
Based on Winston 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 Winston County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Winston County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Winston County
Soil Verdict
Winston County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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
Winston County is somewhat cooler than the Alabama statewide average. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Winston 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.