Kent County Soil Data
Kent County, Delaware
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
10.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Kent County, Delaware
Kent’s Acidic Soil Baseline
Kent County features an average pH of 5.66, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data for the county is currently unmapped, this pH level falls just below the Delaware state average of 5.74.
A Balanced Sandy Mix
The soil contains 48.9% sand and 28.3% silt, paired with a relatively low 8.1% clay content. This high sand ratio ensures the ground remains workable even after heavy rains, though the lack of clay means it may require more frequent nutrient management.
Exceptional Organic Richness
Kent County boasts a massive 10.65% organic matter content, far exceeding the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 9.05%. Its available water capacity of 0.176 in/in also beats the state average, providing a solid moisture reservoir for crops.
Managed Water Movement
While formal drainage class and hydrologic group records are unavailable, the high sand percentage typically suggests rapid water infiltration. These soils likely manage heavy precipitation well, preventing the pooling common in heavier clay regions.
Thriving in Zone 7b
In USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, Kent’s nutrient-dense soil is perfect for corn, soybeans, and hearty summer vegetables. Start your garden today to take advantage of an overall soil score that outpaces the state average.
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 5.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Kent County have?
Kent County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 28% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Kent County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Kent County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Kent County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Kent County.
What crops or plants grow well in Kent County's soil?
Based on Kent County's Loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 Kent County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Kent County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Kent County
Soil Verdict
Kent 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
Kent County closely matches the Delaware average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Kent County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Delaware
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.