Alachua County Soil Data
Alachua County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.7
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Alachua County, Florida
Acidic foundations in Alachua
Alachua’s soil is notably acidic with an average pH of 4.69, which is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This low pH level is common for North Central Florida but requires careful management for non-native crops.
Dominated by sand and drainage
The soil composition is 82.1% sand, 3.6% silt, and 5.0% clay. This high sand content allows for rapid drainage but often results in lower nutrient retention compared to heavier silty soils.
High organic matter for Florida
At 7.46%, the organic matter content is nearly triple the national average of 2.0%, though it sits slightly below the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity of 0.112 in/in provides a stable moisture reservoir that exceeds the state average of 0.108 in/in.
Limited local drainage data
Standard drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently recorded in this dataset for Alachua County. Gardeners should observe their specific site's water movement to determine if they face rapid or slow drainage issues.
Thriving in Zone 9a
In Hardiness Zone 9a, these acidic soils are perfect for blueberries, camellias, and azaleas. Now is the time to start your garden and leverage that high organic matter for a productive harvest.
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: Loamy Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Alachua County have?
Alachua County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 82% sand, 4% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Alachua County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Alachua County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Alachua County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Alachua County.
What crops or plants grow well in Alachua County's soil?
Based on Alachua County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Alachua County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Alachua County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Alachua County
Soil Verdict
Alachua County is in USDA hardiness zone 9a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 20°F. Warm winters keep soil biology active nearly year-round, accelerating decomposition but increasing pest and disease pressure in topsoil.
Planting Guidance
Tropical and subtropical plants are viable. Year-round gardening is possible, though summer heat may limit some cool-season crops. Frost is rare; tender plants can overwinter with minimal protection. 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
Rapid organic matter turnover means soils can become nutrient-poor quickly; test annually and fertilize based on results. High soil temperatures favor certain soilborne pathogens; practice crop rotation and avoid overwatering.
Regional Context
Alachua County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Alachua County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Florida
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.