Duval County Soil Data
Duval County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.6
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
9.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Duval County, Florida
Northeast Florida's Acidic Edge
Duval County has an average pH of 4.56, making it one of the most acidic counties in the state. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and even the Florida average of 4.88. Such acidity strongly influences what types of native vegetation and crops can thrive without intervention.
Sand Dominance in the Urban Hub
The soil is 78.7% sand, with silt and clay making up 3.8% and 4.8% of the mix. This provides a bit more texture and 'body' than the state's sandiest regions but remains highly permeable. It is generally easy to work for landscaping, though its acidity is the primary limiting factor.
High Organic Content Supports Growth
Organic matter is a strong point for Duval at 9.57%, well above the state average of 8.03%. This organic richness helps achieve an available water capacity of 0.116 in/in, surpassing the state's typical 0.108 in/in. These numbers suggest that the soil is quite fertile if the pH is managed.
Hydrologic Realities in Duval
While specific hydrologic and drainage classes are currently unrecorded, the 78.7% sand suggests a generally well-drained profile. The high organic matter likely helps mitigate the extreme 'drying out' often seen in sandy soils. This balance makes it a versatile, though acidic, foundation for both gardens and development.
Growing Success in Zone 9b
Duval County is located in Zone 9b, supporting everything from palms to winter kale. The acidic, organic-rich soil is perfect for camellias, gardenias, and blueberries. Home gardeners should focus on using compost and occasionally lime to balance the high acidity for the best results.
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 4.6. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Duval County have?
Duval County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 79% sand, 4% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Duval County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Duval County's soil has a low pH of 4.6, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Duval County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Duval County.
What crops or plants grow well in Duval County's soil?
Based on Duval County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 4.6, 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 Duval County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Duval County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Duval County
Soil Verdict
Duval 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
Duval 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 Duval 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.