Lafayette County Soil Data
Lafayette County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.2
Texture
Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
8.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lafayette County, Florida
Highly Acidic Soils in Lafayette
Lafayette County has a very acidic soil pH of 4.19, which is much lower than the state average of 4.88. It is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which typically requires lime amendments for many garden plants.
Gritty and Sandy Ground
The soil is 87.3% sand, with silt and clay each making up less than 4% of the total profile. This sandy texture means the soil won't clump together, providing excellent aeration for plant roots but little natural structural support.
Strong Organic Matter Levels
Fertility is a strong point with 8.42% organic matter, which beats the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity of 0.124 in/in also outperforms the state benchmark of 0.108, helping crops survive during dry spells.
Rapid Water Infiltration
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not recorded in this dataset. However, the 87.3% sand percentage implies that water moves through the ground quickly, preventing issues with waterlogging during heavy rains.
Grow Southern Staples Here
Falling into Zone 9a, Lafayette County is a great place to grow southern staples like sweet potatoes and blueberries. The high organic matter provides a wealth of nutrients, giving any backyard vegetable patch a natural head start.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lafayette County have?
Lafayette County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 87% sand, 4% silt, and 3% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Lafayette County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lafayette County's soil has a low pH of 4.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Lafayette County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lafayette County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lafayette County's soil?
Based on Lafayette County's Sand texture, pH of 4.2, 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 Lafayette County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lafayette County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lafayette County
Soil Verdict
Lafayette 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
Lafayette County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lafayette 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.