Citrus County Soil Data
Citrus County, Florida
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Citrus County, Florida
Citrus County's Acidic Soil Profile
Citrus County features an average soil pH of 5.11, which is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While acidic, these soils are actually less sour than the Florida state average of 4.88. Data for the specific taxonomic order remains unavailable, but the overall profile reflects the region's coastal influence.
A Sandy Foundation with Minimal Clay
The soil is overwhelmingly dominated by sand at 85.3%, with clay and silt making up less than 6% combined. This high sand content ensures rapid water movement but offers limited natural nutrient retention for plants. Gardeners will find this soil easy to work, though it requires frequent irrigation.
Rich Organic Matter Boosts Growth
Organic matter reaches a high 7.35%, significantly exceeding the national average of 2.0%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.100 in/in sits slightly below the state average of 0.108 in/in. This suggests that while nutrients are present, the soil struggles to hold onto moisture.
Managing Water in Sandy Terrain
While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not available in current records, the high sand percentage typically indicates rapid drainage. For builders and farmers, this means the ground is less prone to ponding but may dry out quickly during Florida's dry spells. Local management should focus on moisture conservation.
Gardening in Hardiness Zone 9a
Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, Citrus County is ideal for heat-loving crops like citrus, sweet potatoes, and blueberries. The acidic, sandy soil provides the perfect environment for acid-loving shrubs like azaleas and camellias. Start your garden today by adding compost to help the sand hold more water.
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: Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Citrus County have?
Citrus County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 85% sand, 2% silt, and 4% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Citrus County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Citrus County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Citrus County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Citrus County.
What crops or plants grow well in Citrus County's soil?
Based on Citrus County's Sand texture, pH of 5.1, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in Citrus County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Citrus County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Citrus 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.