Kent County Soil Data

Kent County, Delaware

Avg 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

Loam
Sand: 48.9%
Silt: 28.3%
Clay: 8.1%
Loam

Soil pH

5.7pH
5.66234957610652
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently 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.

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.