Franklin County Soil Data
Franklin County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.1
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
8.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Franklin County, Florida
High Acidity Along the Panhandle Coast
Franklin County soil is notably acidic with a pH of 4.12, falling well below the Florida average of 4.88 and the national median of 6.5. This sharp acidity defines the local ecosystem and dictates which crops can survive without heavy amendments. While taxonomic data is sparse, the chemical signature points toward a unique coastal environment.
Sand Dominates the Coastal Profile
The soil composition is 80.6% sand, 5.6% silt, and 4.2% clay. This mix creates a loose structure that is easy to dig but struggles to hold onto essential fertilizers. The slightly higher silt content compared to neighbors helps provide a marginal boost to the soil's physical texture.
Exceptional Organic Levels vs State Benchmarks
Franklin County boasts 8.11% organic matter, surpassing the state average of 8.03% and quadrupling the national average of 2.0%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is 0.102 in/in, which is slightly below the Florida average of 0.108. The fertility is high, but water moves through the profile quickly.
Navigating Rapid Water Movement
Specific drainage classes are not recorded for this county, but the 80% sand content implies rapid water movement. Gardeners should expect soil to dry out quickly after Panhandle rainstorms. Proper irrigation is essential for maintaining consistent moisture in this highly permeable environment.
Planting Success in Zone 9b
Located in Hardiness Zone 9b, Franklin County supports heat-loving plants like saw palmettos and coastal oaks. The high organic matter supports robust growth, though the 4.12 pH requires careful plant selection or lime applications. Grab a shovel and try planting blueberries, which naturally thrive in these acidic, sandy conditions.
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 4.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Franklin County have?
Franklin County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 81% sand, 6% silt, and 4% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Franklin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Franklin County's soil has a low pH of 4.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Franklin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Franklin County.
What crops or plants grow well in Franklin County's soil?
Based on Franklin County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 4.1, 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 Franklin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Franklin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Franklin County
Soil Verdict
Franklin 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
Franklin 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 Franklin 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.