Bradford County Soil Data
Bradford County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.0
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
10.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bradford County, Florida
Sharp acidity in Bradford soils
Bradford County records an average soil pH of 4.04, indicating very acidic conditions compared to the 6.5 national median. This reflects the high concentration of organic matter and local geological history.
Sandy soil with low clay
The composition is 80.3% sand and just 3.4% clay, which creates a loose, easy-to-till texture. This high sand percentage facilitates good aeration for root systems but may lose nutrients through leaching.
Abundant organic matter levels
The soil contains 10.81% organic matter, which is well above the 8.03% state average. This high carbon content is paired with an available water capacity of 0.123 in/in, making it a potentially fertile environment for the right crops.
Consistent moisture retention
Specific drainage classifications are not currently available for Bradford County in this record. However, the high water capacity suggests the soil stays moist longer than typical sandy Florida soils.
Productive gardening in 9a
Hardiness Zone 9a provides a long growing season for Bradford residents. With its high organic matter, this soil is a great candidate for raised beds or heavy mulching to support a diverse garden.
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 4.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bradford County have?
Bradford County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 80% sand, 3% silt, and 3% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bradford County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bradford County's soil has a low pH of 4.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Bradford County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bradford County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bradford County's soil?
Based on Bradford County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 4.0, 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 Bradford County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bradford County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Bradford County
Soil Verdict
Bradford 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
Bradford County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bradford 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.