Hillsborough County Soil Data
Hillsborough County, Florida
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hillsborough County, Florida
Milder Acidity in Hillsborough
Hillsborough County soil has a pH of 5.46, which is more neutral than the state average of 4.88. While still more acidic than the national 6.5 median, it offers a more versatile base for various plants.
Dominated by Gritty Sands
The composition is a staggering 86.7% sand with only 4.8% clay and 2.0% silt. This makes the soil exceptionally well-aerated but very poor at holding onto liquid fertilizers or moisture.
Lower Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter stands at 4.58%, which is below the Florida average of 8.03% but still double the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.097 in/in, trailing the state benchmark of 0.108 in/in.
Highly Permeable Sand Profiles
Specific hydrologic data is missing, but the high sand percentage ensures water drains away from the surface almost immediately. This is beneficial for preventing flood damage to plant roots but requires diligent watering.
Strawberry Capital of Zone 9b
Hardiness Zone 9b is famous for strawberries and various tropical ornamentals. Focus on adding compost to your soil to improve its water-holding capacity and start your garden 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: Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hillsborough County have?
Hillsborough County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 87% sand, 2% silt, and 5% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Hillsborough County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hillsborough County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Hillsborough County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hillsborough County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hillsborough County's soil?
Based on Hillsborough County's Sand texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Hillsborough County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hillsborough County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hillsborough 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.