Nassau County Soil Data
Nassau County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.7
Texture
Sand
Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained
Organic Matter
8.9%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Nassau County, Florida
Acidic Northeast Entisols
Nassau’s soils belong to the Entisols order, characterized by a sand-heavy texture and an acidic pH of 4.72. This acidity is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and slightly below the Florida average of 4.88.
Sandy Texture Dominates
The soil consists of 79.7% sand, 3.9% silt, and 5.2% clay. This high sand content suggests easy workability but requires careful management to prevent nutrients from leaching away during heavy rains.
Better Than State Average
Organic matter stands at 8.88%, which is higher than the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity of 0.112 in/in is also slightly better than the Florida benchmark of 0.108, supporting healthy plant growth.
Poor Drainage Risks
The soil is classified as somewhat poorly drained despite falling into Hydrologic Group A. This combination means that while the sand allows for infiltration, a high local water table may keep the ground damp.
Blueberries and Azaleas
Nassau County is in zone 9a, a prime spot for blueberries and azaleas that thrive in acidic conditions. Use the high organic content to jumpstart your garden with native Florida perennials.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Somewhat poorly drained
Water is removed slowly enough that the soil is wet at shallow depths for significant periods. Mottling present.
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 4.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Nassau County have?
Nassau County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 80% sand, 4% silt, and 5% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Nassau County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Nassau County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Nassau County?
Nassau County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Nassau County's soil?
Based on Nassau County's Sand texture, pH of 4.7, and Somewhat poorly drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Nassau County?
Nassau County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Nassau County
Soil Verdict
Nassau 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
Nassau County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 9a-9b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Nassau 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.