Douglas County Soil Data
Douglas County, Georgia
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Very stony sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Douglas County, Georgia
Robust Alfisols in Douglas
Douglas County consists of Alfisols with a pH of 5.42 and a soil score of 18.8. This score outperforms the state average of 17.6, even though the soil is more acidic than the national 6.5 median.
Rugged and Stony Loams
This stony sandy loam contains 54.5% sand, 27.0% silt, and 17.0% clay. The presence of stones and high sand makes the soil rugged but provides excellent aeration for root systems.
High Water Retention
At 1.35%, the organic matter is lower than the state average of 1.83%. However, the water capacity of 0.128 is higher than the state average, helping your plants survive dry Georgia spells.
Slow Water Transmission
These soils are well drained but belong to hydrologic group D. This means while the surface layer sheds water well, the overall soil profile has a very slow rate of water transmission.
Native Beauty in Zone 8a
Douglas County lies within Hardiness Zone 8a, a sweet spot for many Georgia native plants. Strong water retention makes it an excellent place to establish a thriving pollinator garden.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
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.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Very stony sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Douglas County have?
Douglas County's soil is classified as Very stony sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 27% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Douglas County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Douglas County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Douglas County?
Douglas 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 Douglas County's soil?
Based on Douglas County's Very stony sandy loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Douglas County?
Douglas 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Douglas 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.