Martin County Soil Data

Martin County, Florida

Avg pH

4.8

Texture

Loamy Sand

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

14.2%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Martin County, Florida

Acidic Coastal Soils

Martin County features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.84. This is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and slightly below the Florida state average of 4.88.

Sandy Shores and Low Clay

The soil is predominantly sand at 76.5%, with very low silt and clay levels at 0.8% and 1.5% respectively. This granular mix allows for rapid water movement but limits the soil's natural ability to hold onto mineral nutrients.

Rich in Organic Matter

With an organic matter content of 14.21%, Martin County far exceeds both the state average of 8.03% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.127 in/in also beats the state benchmark, signaling strong potential for plant growth.

Strong Local Soil Quality

While specific drainage and taxonomic data are unavailable, the county maintains a solid soil score of 36.6. This score sits above the state average of 31.1, suggesting favorable conditions compared to many neighboring regions.

Tropical Paradise Potential

Classified in hardiness zone 10b, this region is perfect for tropical and subtropical landscaping. Gardeners can take advantage of the high organic matter to grow lush hibiscus and productive mango trees.

Soil Composition

Loamy Sand
Sand: 76.5%
Silt: 0.8%
Clay: 1.5%
Loamy Sand

Soil pH

4.8pH
4.84055850424752
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Martin County have?

Martin County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 77% sand, 1% silt, and 2% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Martin County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Martin 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 Martin County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Martin County.

What crops or plants grow well in Martin County's soil?

Based on Martin 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 Martin County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Martin County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.