Suwannee County Soil Data
Suwannee County, Florida
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Suwannee County, Florida
Acidic soils of the northern panhandle
Suwannee County has an average soil pH of 5.03, which is slightly less acidic than the state average of 4.88. Like most of Florida, it remains far below the national median of 6.5. This acidity is a defining characteristic of the local terrestrial ecosystem.
Extremely sandy soil textures
At 89.3% sand, this is one of the sandiest counties in the region. With only 3.5% silt and 3.0% clay, the soil is very porous and has minimal structure. This composition leads to very fast drainage and requires careful nutrient management.
Lower organic matter and water capacity
Organic matter is lower here at 4.23%, which is about half the state average of 8.03%. Consequently, the available water capacity is just 0.078 in/in, falling well below the state average of 0.108. The resulting soil score is 25.7, indicating a need for soil building.
Fast-draining soils with low retention
Specific drainage classes are not provided, but the nearly 90% sand content implies very high permeability. A low water capacity of 0.078 means plants may stress quickly during a drought. This soil is excellent for building sites but requires heavy irrigation for agriculture.
Gardening in hardiness zone 9a
Suwannee County sits in zone 9a, allowing for a mix of temperate and subtropical plants. Since organic matter is low, you should focus on adding compost and mulch to help your garden thrive. Native plants like Saw Palmetto or Coontie are excellent choices for these sandy 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: Sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Suwannee County have?
Suwannee County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 89% sand, 3% silt, and 3% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Suwannee County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Suwannee County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Suwannee County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Suwannee County.
What crops or plants grow well in Suwannee County's soil?
Based on Suwannee County's Sand texture, pH of 5.0, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in Suwannee County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Suwannee County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Suwannee 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.