Dougherty County Soil Data
Dougherty County, Georgia
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Loamy sand
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Dougherty County, Georgia
Acidic Ultisols of Dougherty
Dougherty County features Ultisols with a pH of 5.21 and a soil score of 12.2. This score falls below the state average of 17.6 and reflects higher acidity than the national 6.5 median.
Sandy Loam Characteristics
The loamy sand texture comes from a mix of 73.7% sand, 15.4% silt, and 10.9% clay. This high sand content ensures easy workability but may require amendments to boost nutrient retention.
Moisture and Matter Needs
Organic matter stands at 1.45%, which is below the state average of 1.83%. The available water capacity of 0.102 also trails the state benchmark of 0.114.
Efficient Water Infiltration
Soils here are well drained and belong to hydrologic group B. This combination allows for excellent water infiltration, making it a reliable choice for diverse farming and construction.
Sunny Zone 9a Gardens
In Hardiness Zone 9a, Dougherty County enjoys a very warm climate. This soil and temperature mix is perfect for growing heat-tolerant crops like peanuts and sweet potatoes.
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: Loamy sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Dougherty County have?
Dougherty County's soil is classified as Loamy sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 74% sand, 15% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Dougherty County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Dougherty 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 Dougherty County?
Dougherty 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 Dougherty County's soil?
Based on Dougherty County's Loamy sand 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 Dougherty County?
Dougherty 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: Dougherty County
Soil Verdict
Dougherty 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
Dougherty County is somewhat warmer than the Georgia statewide average. The zone range of 8b-9a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Dougherty 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.