Osceola County Soil Data
Osceola County, Florida
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Gravelly sand
Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained
Organic Matter
7.7%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Osceola County, Florida
Acidic Entisols Lead the Landscape
Osceola County features Entisols with a gravelly sand texture and an average pH of 5.07. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, though it remains slightly less acidic than the Florida state average of 4.88. These young soils require careful management to balance acidity for most standard crops.
High Sand Levels Drive Rapid Drainage
The soil composition is dominated by 87.0% sand, with very low levels of silt at 2.2% and clay at 2.1%. This sandy profile means water moves quickly through the ground, offering excellent workability but very low natural nutrient retention. Gardeners here often find they need to supplement the soil frequently to keep plants fed.
Strong Organic Matter for Florida Standards
The soil contains 7.71% organic matter, which is nearly four times the national average of 2.0% but just under the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity (AWC) sits at 0.106 in/in, aligning closely with the state typical of 0.108. This high organic content helps offset the drainage issues of the heavy sand content.
Managing Poorly Drained Hydrologic Group A Soils
Despite being in Hydrologic Group A, which usually drains well, these soils are classified as somewhat poorly drained in this local context. This combination suggests a high water table or flat topography that slows the escape of heavy Florida rainfall. Builders and farmers must plan for occasional saturation during the wet season.
Thriving in the Warmth of Zone 10a
Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a, Osceola County is perfect for heat-loving tropicals and citrus. Mangoes, sweet potatoes, and various palm species thrive in this warm climate and sandy soil. Start your garden today by choosing acid-loving plants or using raised beds to control the nutrient environment.
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: Gravelly sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Osceola County have?
Osceola County's soil is classified as Gravelly sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 87% sand, 2% silt, and 2% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Osceola County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Osceola 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 Osceola County?
Osceola 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 Osceola County's soil?
Based on Osceola County's Gravelly sand texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Osceola County?
Osceola 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 Osceola 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.