Sumter County Soil Data
Sumter County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.8
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
10.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sumter County, Florida
Classic Florida acidic soil profiles
Sumter County shows an average pH of 4.84, mirroring the state average of 4.88 almost exactly. This is considerably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is typical for the interior of the Florida peninsula.
High sand content and rapid drainage
With 84.3% sand, this soil is coarse and drains very quickly. It contains only 1.6% silt and 3.0% clay, leading to low natural fertility retention. Such a sandy mix is easy to till but requires consistent organic amendments for best results.
Above-average organic matter and storage
Sumter holds 10.31% organic matter, beating the state average of 8.03%. This organic content boosts the available water capacity to 0.114 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.108. These strengths earn the county a total soil score of 32.9.
Reliable water capacity for inland farms
While taxonomic and drainage classifications are unavailable, the soil score of 32.9 indicates solid productivity for the state. The 0.114 water capacity suggests the soil holds moisture reasonably well despite its high sand content. This balance supports consistent plant growth during Florida's dry seasons.
Ideal for zone 9b gardening
The 9b hardiness zone supports a wide variety of perennials and winter crops like kale and broccoli. Your soil’s 10.31% organic matter provides a great foundation for healthy root systems. Dig in and take advantage of these well-balanced inland conditions.
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 4.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Sumter County have?
Sumter County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 84% sand, 2% silt, and 3% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sumter County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sumter County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Sumter County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sumter County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sumter County's soil?
Based on Sumter County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 4.8, 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 Sumter County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sumter County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Sumter County
Soil Verdict
Sumter County is in USDA hardiness zone 9b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 25°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
Sumter 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 Sumter 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.