Hendry County Soil Data
Hendry County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.9
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
13.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hendry County, Florida
Acidic Sands in Hendry County
The county's soil features an average pH of 4.90, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data for the area is limited, the chemical profile is typical of Florida's prehistoric sea-floor origins.
High Sand, Low Clay Mix
The soil composition is 78.9% sand and just 2.0% clay, creating a very loose and gritty texture. With only 1.5% silt, the soil drains rapidly but struggles to retain essential plant nutrients without regular amendments.
Impressive Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter content reaches a high 13.69%, well above the state average of 8.03%. This organic richness boosts the available water capacity to 0.120 in/in, outperforming the state baseline of 0.108 in/in.
Rapid Drainage and Porous Structure
Specific drainage classes are not recorded for this area, but the high sand percentage suggests very high permeability. This helps prevent root rot in heavy rains but requires frequent irrigation for agricultural consistency.
Tropical Growth in Zone 10a
Hendry falls into Hardiness Zone 10a, making it a prime location for citrus and tropical fruits. The high organic matter provides a great foundation, so start your backyard orchard today.
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 4.9. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hendry County have?
Hendry County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 79% sand, 2% silt, and 2% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hendry County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hendry 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 Hendry County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hendry County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hendry County's soil?
Based on Hendry County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Hendry County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hendry County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hendry County
Soil Verdict
Hendry County is in USDA hardiness zone 10a, a very warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 30°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
Hendry County is somewhat warmer than the Florida statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hendry 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.