Taylor County Soil Data
Taylor County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.1
Texture
Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Taylor County, Florida
The most acidic soil in the region
Taylor County features a very low average pH of 4.09, making it one of the most acidic areas in Florida. This is significantly lower than the state average of 4.88 and the national median of 6.5. Only specific acid-loving vegetation can thrive naturally in these conditions.
A sandy and porous landscape
The soil is comprised of 85.5% sand, 2.3% silt, and 2.4% clay. This high sand content ensures that water moves through the profile with very little resistance. The lack of clay means the soil has very low natural ability to hold onto chemical fertilizers.
Moderate organic matter and water capacity
Despite the extreme acidity, organic matter is respectable at 7.80%, near the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity is 0.113 in/in, which actually exceeds the state average of 0.108. This results in a soil score of 29.1, slightly below the state average of 31.1.
Strong water capacity despite acidity
While drainage class data is missing, the high water capacity of 0.113 helps mitigate the challenges of sandy soil. The soil score of 29.1 suggests that while acidic, the land holds onto enough moisture to support hardy growth. This profile is common in the swampy and coastal forest transition zones.
Acid-loving plants for zone 9a
In zone 9a, Taylor County is a paradise for plants that crave acid, such as azaleas and camellias. You will need to use lime if you want to grow standard vegetables, as the 4.09 pH is quite intense. Embrace the local conditions by planting native blueberries and pines.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Taylor County have?
Taylor County's soil is classified as Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 86% sand, 2% silt, and 2% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Taylor County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Taylor County's soil has a low pH of 4.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Taylor County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Taylor County.
What crops or plants grow well in Taylor County's soil?
Based on Taylor County's Sand texture, pH of 4.1, 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 Taylor County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Taylor County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Taylor County
Soil Verdict
Taylor 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
Taylor County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Taylor 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.