Madison County Soil Data
Madison County, Florida
Avg pH
4.9
Texture
Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Madison County, Florida
Madison's Acidic Foundation
Madison County has a soil pH of 4.93, which is slightly higher than the state average but still quite acidic. This acidity level is significantly sharper than the national median pH of 6.5.
Sand-Heavy Soil Profile
The soil is comprised of 85.4% sand, 6.0% silt, and 6.2% clay. This high sand content is typical for the region, though the clay levels are slightly higher than some coastal neighbors, offering a bit more body.
Low Fertility Benchmark
Organic matter is relatively low at 3.34%, trailing the state average of 8.03%. Combined with a low water capacity of 0.084 in/in, the county earns a soil score of 22.0, well below the state average of 31.1.
Rapid Water Drainage
No specific drainage class is listed, but the 85.4% sand content suggests very rapid water movement. Farmers should be aware that nutrients may leach away quickly during heavy rains, requiring careful fertilization.
Zone 9a Gardening Success
In Zone 9a, Madison County is a prime spot for cold-hardy citrus and various tuber crops. Boosting your soil with organic amendments like compost will help counter the low fertility and improve your gardening outcomes.
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 Madison County have?
Madison County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 85% sand, 6% silt, and 6% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Madison County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Madison County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Madison County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Madison County.
What crops or plants grow well in Madison County's soil?
Based on Madison County's Sand texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Madison County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Madison County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Madison 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.