Jenkins County Soil Data

Jenkins County, Georgia

Avg pH

5.2

Texture

Loamy Sand

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

1.3%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Jenkins County, Georgia

Acidic Soils of Jenkins County

Jenkins County soils are highly acidic with an average pH of 5.23, which is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This low pH is common in the region and often requires lime to neutralize the soil for garden crops.

Deep Sands and Easy Drainage

The soil is overwhelmingly sandy, consisting of 80.9% sand and only 8.2% clay. This creates a loose texture that is very easy to work but has difficulty retaining moisture and nutrients.

Opportunities to Improve Fertility

Organic matter levels sit at 1.33%, which is lower than the state average of 1.83% and the national average of 2.0%. With an Available Water Capacity of 0.092 in/in, these soils require consistent irrigation during dry spells.

Fast-Moving Water Management

The high sand content means water moves through the profile very quickly. While this prevents standing water, it can lead to nutrient leaching, making split-fertilizer applications more effective for farmers.

Thriving in Zone 8b

Located in Zone 8b, Jenkins County is perfect for blueberries and watermelons that enjoy sandy, acidic conditions. Your long growing season allows for multiple harvests if you manage your water and nutrients carefully.

Soil Composition

Loamy Sand
Sand: 80.9%
Silt: 10.9%
Clay: 8.2%
Loamy Sand

Soil pH

5.2pH
5.23333335765013
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

Hydrologic group data not available.

Drainage Class

Drainage class data not available.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Loamy Sand

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 Jenkins County have?

Jenkins County's soil is classified as Loamy Sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 81% sand, 11% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Jenkins County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Jenkins 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 Jenkins County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Jenkins County.

What crops or plants grow well in Jenkins County's soil?

Based on Jenkins County's Loamy Sand texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Jenkins County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Jenkins County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.