Brevard County Soil Data
Brevard County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Sand
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
12.7%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Brevard County, Florida
Brevard's Entisols and higher pH
The dominant taxonomic order here is Entisols, with an average pH of 5.27. This is less acidic than the state average of 4.88, though still below the national median of 6.5.
Coarse sand and low silt
The texture is primarily Sand, consisting of 78.8% sand, 2.3% silt, and 3.2% clay. This mix provides excellent structural stability for infrastructure and good drainage for agriculture.
Rich organic content on the coast
Brevard boasts a high organic matter content of 12.73%, significantly beating the national 2.0% average. The available water capacity is 0.096 in/in, which is slightly below the state benchmark of 0.108 in/in.
Moderately well-drained Group A
The soil is classified as 'Moderately well drained' and belongs to hydrologic group A. This means the soil has high infiltration rates and low runoff potential, which is ideal for managing storm water.
Tropical vibes in Zone 10a
Moving into Zone 10a, Brevard can support more tropical species like citrus and even some cold-protected mangoes. The combination of high organic matter and good drainage makes this an excellent place to start a backyard grove.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Brevard County have?
Brevard County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 79% sand, 2% silt, and 3% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Brevard County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Brevard County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Brevard County?
Brevard County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Brevard County's soil?
Based on Brevard County's Sand texture, pH of 5.3, and Moderately well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Brevard County?
Brevard County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Brevard County
Soil Verdict
Brevard County is in USDA hardiness zone 10a, a very warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 30°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
Brevard County is somewhat warmer than the Florida statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Brevard 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.