Leon County Soil Data
Leon County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.8
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Leon County, Florida
Typical Florida Soil Acidity
Leon County soils have a pH of 4.83, sitting almost exactly at the Florida state average of 4.88. This level of acidity is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5, influencing the types of crops that can thrive here.
Slightly More Silt and Clay
The soil consists of 80.5% sand, 9.2% silt, and 5.8% clay. Compared to many neighbors, this higher silt and clay content helps the soil hold together better than the state's most sandy regions.
Lower Organic Matter Benchmarks
Organic matter is lower here at 4.05%, which is about half the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity of 0.095 in/in also falls below the state benchmark, leading to an overall soil score of 24.0.
Moderate Drainage Profile
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this profile. However, the blend of sand and silt suggests moderate drainage that might retain moisture slightly longer than the state's sandiest coastal regions.
Ideal for Azaleas and Camellias
As a Zone 9a region, Leon County is ideal for growing azaleas and camellias that love acidic ground. Adding compost will help compensate for the lower organic matter and boost your garden's overall productivity.
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 4.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Leon County have?
Leon County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 80% sand, 9% silt, and 6% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Leon County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Leon County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Leon County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Leon County.
What crops or plants grow well in Leon County's soil?
Based on Leon County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 4.8, 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 Leon County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Leon County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Leon County
Soil Verdict
Leon 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
Leon County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Leon 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.