Dixie County Soil Data
Dixie County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.7
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
9.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Dixie County, Florida
Coastal Acidity in Dixie County
Dixie County features an average soil pH of 4.70, matching the state's trend of high acidity compared to the national 6.5 median. This level is slightly more acidic than the Florida average of 4.88. While taxonomic data is unavailable, the chemical profile is shaped by the county's coastal marshes and forests.
Sand-Driven Drainage Patterns
The soil consists of 83.2% sand, which dictates how water and nutrients move through the ground. Silt and clay are present in small amounts, at 1.3% and 2.4% respectively. This high sand percentage means the soil is easy to till but may require amendments to prevent nutrients from washing away.
Rich Organic Matter and Solid Storage
With 9.07% organic matter, Dixie County exceeds the Florida state average of 8.03% and is over four times the national average. The available water capacity of 0.115 in/in also beats the state average of 0.108 in/in. These metrics indicate a soil that is fertile and capable of supporting sustained plant growth.
Understanding the Coastal Hydrology
Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current data for Dixie County. However, the high organic content and above-average water capacity suggest a soil that holds onto moisture better than pure sand. This is beneficial for native plants but requires attention when planning building foundations.
Thriving in USDA Zone 9a
Dixie County sits in Zone 9a, where mild winters allow for a long growing season for peppers, tomatoes, and citrus. The rich organic matter is particularly well-suited for heavy feeders in a home garden. Start a plot today and enjoy the benefits of some of the more fertile soil in the state.
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 4.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Dixie County have?
Dixie County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 83% sand, 1% silt, and 2% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Dixie County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Dixie County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Dixie County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Dixie County.
What crops or plants grow well in Dixie County's soil?
Based on Dixie County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Dixie County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Dixie County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Dixie County
Soil Verdict
Dixie 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
Dixie County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Dixie 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.