Jefferson County Soil Data
Jefferson County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.0
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jefferson County, Florida
Acidic Profiles in Jefferson
The soil pH in Jefferson County averages 4.96, aligning very closely with the Florida average of 4.88. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which defines the local floral palette.
High Sand and Low Cohesion
This soil consists of 83.5% sand and a modest 5.5% clay, making it very porous. With 6.8% silt, it has slightly more body than pure beach sand but still requires careful nutrient management.
Modest Organic Matter Content
Organic matter levels reach 4.10%, which is about half of the state average of 8.03%. Consequently, the available water capacity is 0.088 in/in, indicating a soil that may require frequent irrigation.
Fast-Moving Water Pathways
Specific hydrologic data is limited, but the sandy composition ensures that water drains away quickly from the surface. This prevents swampy conditions but also means that water-soluble nutrients can wash away during heavy rain.
Bountiful Gardens in Zone 9a
Zone 9a supports a wide range of hardy vegetables and beautiful flowering shrubs like camellias. By enriching your soil with organic compost, you can overcome the low water capacity and start a productive 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: Loamy Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Jefferson County have?
Jefferson County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 84% sand, 7% silt, and 6% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jefferson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jefferson County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Jefferson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jefferson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jefferson County's soil?
Based on Jefferson County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Jefferson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jefferson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Jefferson County
Soil Verdict
Jefferson 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
Jefferson County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jefferson 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.