Clay County Soil Data
Clay County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.8
Texture
Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Clay County, Florida
Highly Acidic Soils of Clay County
Despite its name, Clay County's soil pH is quite low at 4.76, making it more acidic than the state average of 4.88. This level is significantly below the national median of 6.5, requiring lime amendments for many traditional crops. Detailed taxonomic data is currently limited for this region.
Surprisingly High Sand Content
The soil composition is 87.8% sand, which is even higher than some of its coastal neighbors. Clay and silt account for only 2.9% and 3.5% respectively, meaning the 'Clay' name doesn't describe the surface texture. This mix results in very loose soil that drains almost instantly but lacks structural workability.
Modest Nutrient and Water Retention
Organic matter stands at 5.01%, which is lower than the Florida average of 8.03% but still more than double the national average. The available water capacity is low at 0.085 in/in, well below the state average of 0.108 in/in. This combination necessitates regular fertilizing and watering to sustain healthy plant life.
Hydrology in a Sandy Landscape
Official drainage and hydrologic group data are not listed for this county in the current survey. However, the high 87.8% sand content suggests that the land functions as a well-draining system with little runoff risk. For construction, this typically means a stable, dry base, though it requires careful management of groundwater leaching.
Planting Success in Zone 9b
Clay County sits in Zone 9b, supporting a wide variety of subtropical plants and winter vegetables. The sandy, acidic conditions are perfect for growing strawberries, watermelons, and native pines. Enriching your plot with organic mulch will help overcome the low water capacity and produce a bountiful harvest.
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 4.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Clay County have?
Clay County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 88% sand, 4% silt, and 3% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Clay County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Clay 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 Clay County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Clay County.
What crops or plants grow well in Clay County's soil?
Based on Clay County's Sand texture, pH of 4.8, 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 Clay County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Clay County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Clay County
Soil Verdict
Clay County is in USDA hardiness zone 9b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 25°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
Clay 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 Clay 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.