Walton County Soil Data
Walton County, Florida
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.7
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Walton County, Florida
Acidic Profiles Across the Panhandle
Walton's soil averages a pH of 4.69, which is much more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH level is a defining characteristic of the region, sitting just below the Florida state average of 4.88.
Balanced Sand and Silt Mix
The soil contains 76.9% sand, 10.3% silt, and 5.5% clay, providing more physical structure than more sandy neighbors. This mix creates a soil that is easy to till while allowing for moderate drainage.
Productive Soils with Solid Water Capacity
Organic matter stands at 5.27%, which is well above the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity of 0.105 in/in almost reaches the state average of 0.108 in/in, offering a reliable environment for plant roots.
Porous Ground and Limited Retention
Although specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the high sand percentage suggests a naturally well-draining environment. This helps prevent root rot in rainy seasons but means nutrients can leach away quickly without proper management.
Thriving Gardens in Zone 9a
Walton County's Hardiness Zone 9a allows for a long growing season of heat-tolerant crops like citrus and peppers. With its respectable water capacity, your garden is well-positioned for a successful harvest of southern staples.
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 4.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Walton County have?
Walton County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 77% sand, 10% silt, and 6% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Walton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Walton County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Walton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Walton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Walton County's soil?
Based on Walton County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Walton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Walton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Walton County
Soil Verdict
Walton 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
Walton County closely matches the Florida average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8b-9b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Walton 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.