Manatee County Soil Data
Manatee County, Florida
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
9.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Manatee County, Florida
Milder Acidity in Manatee
Manatee County soils show a pH of 5.07, making them slightly less acidic than the Florida state average of 4.88. This still falls well below the national median of 6.5, requiring acid-loving plants or soil amendments for balance.
Mostly Sand and Grit
The ground is overwhelmingly sandy at 84.5%, with very little silt (1.8%) or clay (3.1%). This gritty texture facilitates easy workability but limits the soil's natural ability to store long-term nutrients.
Rich Organic Matter Reserves
With an organic matter content of 9.84%, Manatee County outperforms the state average of 8.03%. Its available water capacity of 0.109 in/in sits right at the state benchmark, indicating decent moisture retention for crops.
Quick-Draining Coastal Soils
Though dominant drainage classes are not listed, the high sand content ensures that water moves through the profile quickly. Gardeners and builders should prepare for rapid infiltration during Florida's heavy summer rain cycles.
Tropical Fruit Potential
Located in tropical Zone 10a, Manatee County is perfect for mangoes, avocados, and other frost-sensitive species. High organic matter levels mean your vegetable garden has a natural head start on nutritional success.
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 Manatee County have?
Manatee County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 84% sand, 2% silt, and 3% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Manatee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Manatee County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Manatee County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Manatee County.
What crops or plants grow well in Manatee County's soil?
Based on Manatee County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Manatee County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Manatee County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Manatee 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.