Gilchrist County Soil Data
Gilchrist County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.9
Texture
Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Gilchrist County, Florida
Classic Florida Chemistry in Gilchrist
Gilchrist County soil has an average pH of 4.86, mirroring the state average of 4.88. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which is typical for the Florida interior. Detailed taxonomic data is currently unavailable, but the pH reflects a standard regional profile.
Extreme Sand Content Limits Retention
At 92.1% sand, Gilchrist has one of the highest sand concentrations in the state, with almost no silt (1.4%) or clay (2.9%). This makes the soil extremely easy to work but very poor at holding onto water or fertilizer. It is essentially a giant filter that allows nutrients to wash away quickly.
Moderate Fertility and Low Water Storage
Organic matter stands at 4.52%, which is healthy by national standards (2.0%) but well below the Florida average of 8.03%. The available water capacity is 0.091 in/in, falling short of the state average of 0.108. Plants here will require more frequent irrigation to survive dry spells.
Rapid Drainage in Porous Terrain
The dominance of sand at 92.1% indicates exceptionally fast drainage, though official drainage classes are not listed. This porosity prevents standing water but creates a challenge for keeping crops hydrated. Land use planning must account for this high permeability to protect the local groundwater.
Opportunities in Hardiness Zone 9a
Gilchrist County is in Hardiness Zone 9a, supporting everything from watermelons to southern peas. To succeed in such sandy soil, use raised beds or heavy mulching to conserve the 0.091 in/in of available water. It is a great place to start a drought-tolerant native garden.
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 4.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Gilchrist County have?
Gilchrist County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 92% sand, 1% silt, and 3% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Gilchrist County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Gilchrist County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Gilchrist County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Gilchrist County.
What crops or plants grow well in Gilchrist County's soil?
Based on Gilchrist County's Sand texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Gilchrist County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Gilchrist County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Gilchrist County
Soil Verdict
Gilchrist 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
Gilchrist County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Gilchrist 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.