Okeechobee County Soil Data
Okeechobee County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Sand
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
10.3%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Okeechobee County, Florida
Balanced Inland Entisols
Okeechobee features sandy Entisols with a pH of 5.14, making it one of the less acidic profiles in the state. This level is still below the national median of 6.5 but provides a more balanced environment for diverse crops.
Heavily Sandy Structure
The soil is 85.6% sand, with only 1.5% silt and 2.4% clay. This high sand percentage creates a very loose structure that is easy to dig but struggles to hold onto nutrients naturally.
Superior Organic Richness
The soil boasts an impressive 10.29% organic matter, well above the Florida average of 8.03%. Paired with an available water capacity of 0.122 in/in, this land offers better-than-average growing potential.
Well-Drained Landscapes
These soils are well drained and categorized in Hydrologic Group A. This makes the land suitable for many types of agricultural use and building projects that require stable, dry ground.
Long Growing Seasons
Hardiness zone 10a allows for a long growing season with minimal frost risk. Tropical fruits and warm-season grasses will thrive here, especially given the county's superior drainage.
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
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
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 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Okeechobee County have?
Okeechobee County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 86% sand, 1% silt, and 2% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Okeechobee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee County?
Okeechobee County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Okeechobee County's soil?
Based on Okeechobee County's Sand texture, pH of 5.1, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Okeechobee County?
Okeechobee 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: Okeechobee County
Soil Verdict
Okeechobee County is in USDA hardiness zone 10a, a very warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 30°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
Okeechobee County is somewhat warmer than the Florida statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Okeechobee 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.