Bibb County Soil Data

Bibb County, Georgia

Avg pH

5.2

Texture

Gravelly sandy loam

Drainage

Well drained

Organic Matter

1.5%

Hydrologic Group

D

Data Story

About Soil in Bibb County, Georgia

Forested Alfisols and Acidic pH

Bibb County features Alfisols, which are moderately weathered soils common in forested regions. The average pH of 5.24 is more acidic than the national 6.5 median but matches the Georgia average of 5.26.

Gravelly Sandy Loam Mix

The soil is a gravelly sandy loam, containing 66.0% sand and 13.1% clay. This mixture ensures easy workability and provides good aeration for deep plant roots.

Moderate Nutrient Retention

Organic matter levels sit at 1.46%, trailing the state average of 1.83%. The soil's water capacity of 0.109 in/in is also slightly lower than the state average, meaning plants may need extra irrigation.

Well-Drained with Runoff Risk

The landscape drains well, which protects roots from the dangers of oversaturation. However, the Hydrologic Group D classification indicates that heavy rains may result in significant surface runoff.

Perfect for Peaches in 8b

Hardiness zone 8b supports iconic Georgia crops like peaches and pecans. The combination of well-drained soil and long summers makes this a fantastic place to start a backyard plot.

Soil Composition

Gravelly sandy loam
Sand: 66.0%
Silt: 20.9%
Clay: 13.1%
Gravelly sandy loam

Soil pH

5.2pH
5.24446198070456
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

Soil Series

Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.

Hydrologic Group

Group D — High Runoff

Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.

Runoff potential:High

Drainage Class

Well drained

Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Gravelly sandy loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Bibb County have?

Bibb County's soil is classified as Gravelly sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 66% sand, 21% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Bibb County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Bibb County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.

What is the drainage class for Bibb County?

Bibb 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 Bibb County's soil?

Based on Bibb County's Gravelly sandy loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Bibb County?

Bibb County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.

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.