Calhoun County Soil Data
Calhoun County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.8
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Calhoun County, Florida
Acidic inland Panhandle soils
Calhoun County has an average pH of 4.76, aligning with the regional trend of high acidity. This is lower than the 4.88 state average and significantly below the national 6.5 median.
Highest silt levels in the region
The soil contains 77.0% sand and 10.1% silt, which is higher than many neighboring Florida counties. This increased silt, combined with 6.9% clay, gives the soil better nutrient retention than purely sandy areas.
Leaner organic matter, higher water
Organic matter is lower than the state average at 4.59%, though still above the national 2.0% average. Surprisingly, the available water capacity is high at 0.124 in/in, indicating these soils hold moisture effectively for crops.
Inland moisture management
Detailed drainage and hydrologic group classifications are not available for Calhoun County. The high water capacity suggests that these soils are less prone to drought than their thirstier coastal neighbors.
Zone 9a farming potential
Calhoun’s Zone 9a climate and moisture-retentive soil are excellent for traditional row crops and timber. If you are starting a home garden, focus on building up organic matter to boost the soil's natural fertility.
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 4.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Calhoun County have?
Calhoun County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 77% sand, 10% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Calhoun County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Calhoun County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Calhoun County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Calhoun County.
What crops or plants grow well in Calhoun County's soil?
Based on Calhoun County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 4.8, 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 Calhoun County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Calhoun County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Calhoun County
Soil Verdict
Calhoun 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
Calhoun County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Calhoun 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.