Citrus County Soil Data
Citrus County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Citrus County
Soil Verdict
Citrus 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
Citrus County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 9a-9b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
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.