Brevard County Soil Data

Brevard County, Florida

Avg 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

Sand
Sand: 78.8%
Silt: 2.3%
Clay: 3.2%
Sand

Soil pH

5.3pH
5.2680626860172
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

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.

Runoff potential:Low

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

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 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.

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.