Orange County Soil Data
Orange County, Florida
Avg pH
4.7
Texture
Sand
Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained
Organic Matter
12.2%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Orange County, Florida
Acidic Central Sands
Orange County’s Entisols are quite acidic, measuring a pH of 4.69. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and sits below the typical Florida average of 4.88.
Porosity and Permeability
The soil profile is 80.2% sand, 1.4% silt, and 2.6% clay. This sandy dominant texture is common for Central Florida, facilitating quick water penetration through the top layers.
Rich in Living Matter
The area features a high organic matter content of 12.20%, which is over 50% higher than the state average. This richness is complemented by an available water capacity of 0.127 in/in, indicating strong moisture-holding ability.
Slow Drainage Challenges
These soils are classified as somewhat poorly drained despite being in Hydrologic Group A. Homeowners should plan for slow drainage in low-lying areas during Florida's intense rainy season.
Home of the Citrus
Zone 10a supports a vast range of ornamental and edible plants, including the citrus that gives the county its name. The high organic matter provides a great foundation for a thriving home vegetable garden.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Orange County have?
Orange County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 80% sand, 1% silt, and 3% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Orange County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Orange 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 Orange County?
Orange 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 Orange County's soil?
Based on Orange 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 Orange County?
Orange 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Orange 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.