Union County Soil Data
Union County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.4
Texture
Fine sand
Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained
Organic Matter
10.7%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Union County, Florida
Fine sand and acidic Entisols
Union County is defined by Entisols, which are relatively young soils with an average pH of 4.42. This is significantly more acidic than the state average of 4.88 and the national 6.5 median. The dominant texture is classified as fine sand, providing a unique gritty feel.
Fine sand mix with high silt
The soil contains 77.5% sand, 4.6% silt, and 3.3% clay, giving it slightly more structure than coarser neighbors. This mix allows for decent drainage while the silt and clay provide a small amount of mineral stability. It is easy to work but requires acidity management for most crops.
Top-tier organic matter and water capacity
The county boasts a high organic matter content of 10.66%, well above the state average. This richness creates an available water capacity of 0.125 in/in, the highest in this group. These factors contribute to a soil score of 33.4, surpassing the state average.
Somewhat poorly drained with high capacity
Classified as somewhat poorly drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group A, this soil can stay damp after rains. The high water capacity of 0.125 means the soil stores moisture effectively for plant use. This makes it productive but potentially prone to wet feet in low-lying areas.
Nurturing a garden in zone 9a
Union County's zone 9a climate is perfect for growing blueberries and pecans which thrive in acidic, moisture-retentive soils. Your high organic matter content (10.66%) means your soil is naturally fertile. Start a garden today and enjoy some of the best water-holding soil in the region.
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: Fine sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Union County have?
Union County's soil is classified as Fine sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 77% sand, 5% silt, and 3% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Union County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Union County's soil has a low pH of 4.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Union County?
Union 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 Union County's soil?
Based on Union County's Fine sand texture, pH of 4.4, 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 Union County?
Union 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Union County
Soil Verdict
Union 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
Union County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Union 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.