Hernando County Soil Data
Hernando County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hernando County, Florida
Moderately Acidic Coastal Soils
Hernando County soil has an average pH of 5.23, which is less acidic than the state average of 4.88. However, it still falls well below the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime for sensitive garden plants.
Coarse Texture and Rapid Drainage
The soil is 81.5% sand with balanced levels of silt (5.3%) and clay (5.4%). This creates a porous profile that is easy to till but offers minimal natural resistance to water movement.
Moderate Fertility and Water Storage
Organic matter measures 7.48%, sitting just below the Florida state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity of 0.100 in/in is slightly lower than the state average, meaning the soil dries out relatively quickly.
Well-Drained for Building and Farming
While specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the high sand content ensures that water rarely pools on the surface. This makes the land excellent for construction but requires careful moisture management for crops.
Abundant Sunshine in Zone 9b
Located in Hardiness Zone 9b, this county is ideal for growing peppers, tomatoes, and blueberries. With a bit of extra irrigation to compensate for the sandy texture, your garden will thrive.
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 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hernando County have?
Hernando County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 82% sand, 5% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hernando County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hernando County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Hernando County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hernando County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hernando County's soil?
Based on Hernando County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Hernando County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hernando County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Hernando County
Soil Verdict
Hernando 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
Hernando 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 Hernando 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.