Indian River County Soil Data
Indian River County, Florida
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
9.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Indian River County, Florida
Coastal Soil Identity
Indian River County soil features a pH of 5.42, making it less acidic than the state average of 4.88. It remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which is common for Florida's sandy coastal plains.
Light and Airy Sands
The soil contains 82.4% sand and only 3.7% clay, creating a light texture that is very easy to work with. With only 3.0% silt, the soil provides excellent aeration for plant roots but little natural structure.
Rich Organic Matter Levels
At 9.65%, the organic matter content is well above the Florida state average of 8.03%. This boosts the water capacity to 0.111 in/in, which is higher than the state average and helps plants survive dry spells.
Excellent Coastal Drainage
While specific hydrologic data is not available, the sandy texture ensures that the soil does not stay waterlogged for long. The healthy organic matter levels help balance this drainage by holding moisture where plants need it most.
Tropical Paradise in Zone 10a
Zone 10a allows for a stunning variety of tropical plants, including mangoes and avocados. The high organic matter gives you a head start, so grab some seeds and get planting.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Indian River County have?
Indian River County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 82% sand, 3% silt, and 4% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Indian River County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Indian River County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Indian River County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Indian River County.
What crops or plants grow well in Indian River County's soil?
Based on Indian River County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Indian River County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Indian River County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Indian River 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.