Decatur County Soil Data
Decatur County, Georgia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loamy Sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Decatur County, Georgia
Acidic Soils of the South
Decatur County soils show an average pH of 5.27, nearly matching the state average. The county's soil score of 11.9 indicates significant challenges compared to the state average of 17.6.
Dominated by Heavy Sands
The soil contains a massive 79.3% sand, with only 8.6% clay and 12.2% silt. This high-sand mix provides excellent workability but requires frequent irrigation for moisture-loving plants.
Lower Fertility Benchmarks
Organic matter sits at 1.36%, trailing the state average of 1.83%. The available water capacity of 0.095 also falls below the state benchmark of 0.114, limiting natural drought resistance.
Rapid Water Movement
Formal drainage data is unavailable, but the high sand content suggests very rapid drainage. This prevents waterlogging but often leads to nutrient leaching in farm fields.
Heat-Loving Zone 9a Crops
Falling in Hardiness Zone 9a, Decatur County offers a long growing season for heat-tolerant plants. Citrus and pecans are excellent choices for this sandy, warm environment.
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 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Decatur County have?
Decatur County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 79% sand, 12% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Decatur County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Decatur 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 Decatur County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Decatur County.
What crops or plants grow well in Decatur County's soil?
Based on Decatur County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Decatur County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Decatur County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Decatur County
Soil Verdict
Decatur 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
Decatur County is somewhat warmer than the Georgia statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Decatur 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.