Bartow County Soil Data
Bartow County, Georgia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Bartow County, Georgia
The Ancient Ultisols of Bartow
Bartow's soil consists of Ultisols with an average pH of 5.29, nearly identical to the state average of 5.26. This acidic profile is much lower than the national median of 6.5, making lime amendments a common necessity.
A Balanced Sandy Loam Mix
The county features a sandy loam texture composed of 48.4% sand, 34.3% silt, and 16.5% clay. This mix offers a perfect balance between easy workability and the ability to hold onto vital plant nutrients.
High Water Retention Capacity
Organic matter measures 1.61%, which is slightly lower than the state average of 1.83%. However, the available water capacity of 0.146 in/in beats the state average of 0.114, providing a strong buffer against dry spells.
Ideal Drainage for Development
Most of Bartow's land is well drained and falls into hydrologic group B. This makes the soil excellent for agricultural use and provides a stable foundation for residential or commercial building.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a
With a soil score of 25.1, Bartow far exceeds the state average of 17.6. Gardeners in Zone 8a can successfully grow a wide array of crops from summer squash to hardy fruit trees.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bartow County have?
Bartow County's soil is classified as Sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 48% sand, 34% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bartow County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bartow County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Bartow County?
Bartow County has a dominant drainage class of "Well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Bartow County's soil?
Based on Bartow County's Sandy loam texture, pH of 5.3, and Well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Bartow County?
Bartow County's dominant soil order is Ultisols. Ultisols are highly weathered, clay-rich soils common in humid regions. They are low in natural fertility and often require lime and fertilizer for agriculture.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Bartow County
Soil Verdict
Bartow County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. 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
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Bartow County closely matches the Georgia average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bartow County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Georgia
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.