Volusia County Soil Data
Volusia County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
9.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Volusia County, Florida
Mildly acidic soils of Volusia
Volusia County's soil pH averages 5.10, which is higher and less acidic than the state average of 4.88. Though still below the national median of 6.5, it offers a more hospitable environment for many common garden plants. This chemical profile is consistent across the county's varied landscape.
Sandy soil with moderate clay content
The composition is 83.5% sand, 2.0% silt, and 3.6% clay. This high sand content ensures good aeration and rapid drainage for coastal and inland areas alike. The 3.6% clay is slightly higher than some neighbors, providing a tiny boost to nutrient-holding capacity.
Solid organic matter and state-average capacity
Organic matter is strong at 9.50%, exceeding both the state average of 8.03% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.106 in/in, which is very close to the state average of 0.108. These metrics result in a healthy soil score of 34.3.
Productive soils above the state average
With a soil score of 34.3, Volusia's land is rated higher than the Florida average of 31.1. No specific drainage class is recorded, but the sand-heavy profile suggests water moves through the ground quickly. This makes it generally well-suited for development and residential landscaping.
Ready for growth in zone 9b
In hardiness zone 9b, Volusia gardeners can grow everything from citrus to sweet potatoes. The 9.50% organic matter provides a wonderful base for building a high-yield backyard vegetable patch. Get outside and start planting in these above-average Florida 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 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Volusia County have?
Volusia County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 83% sand, 2% silt, and 4% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Volusia County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Volusia County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Volusia County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Volusia County.
What crops or plants grow well in Volusia County's soil?
Based on Volusia County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Volusia County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Volusia County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Volusia County
Soil Verdict
Volusia 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
Volusia County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 9b-10a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Volusia 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.