Santa Rosa County Soil Data
Santa Rosa County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Santa Rosa County, Florida
A More Complex Soil Identity
Santa Rosa County has an average pH of 5.23, which is less acidic than the state average but still below the national median of 6.5. Located in the Panhandle, these soils differ from Central Florida by having a higher presence of minerals from the interior. This results in a soil score of 28.2, which is slightly below the state average.
High Silt and Clay Content
Unlike most of Florida, Santa Rosa has only 75.2% sand, with a significant 13.8% silt and 8.7% clay. This higher clay and silt content provides much better structural integrity and nutrient-holding capacity than the sandier southern counties. It means your soil is better at retaining fertilizer, though it may be harder to dig when dry.
Low Organic Matter and Water Capacity
Organic matter is relatively low at 3.49%, falling well below the state average of 8.03%. Consequently, the available water capacity is just 0.103 in/in, slightly under the Florida typical of 0.108. Adding organic amendments like compost will be essential for successful vegetable gardening here.
Slower Drainage due to Silt and Clay
Specific drainage classes are not provided, but the increased silt and clay content suggests that water moves more slowly here than in 90% sand environments. This can be an advantage during dry periods as the soil holds onto moisture longer. However, gardeners must be careful about compaction in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Hardy Crops for Zone 9a
As part of Zone 9a, Santa Rosa experiences more frost than the rest of the counties on this list, making it great for pecans and satsuma oranges. The unique silt-clay mix supports a wider variety of traditional row crops and gardens. Plant your spring garden after the last frost to take advantage of these unique Panhandle soils.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
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
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Santa Rosa County have?
Santa Rosa County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 75% sand, 14% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Santa Rosa County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Santa Rosa County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Santa Rosa County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Santa Rosa County.
What crops or plants grow well in Santa Rosa County's soil?
Based on Santa Rosa County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Santa Rosa County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Santa Rosa County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Santa Rosa County
Soil Verdict
Santa Rosa 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
Santa Rosa County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8b-9b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Santa Rosa 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.