Monroe County Soil Data

Monroe County, Georgia

Avg pH

5.4

Texture

Sandy Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

1.2%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Monroe County, Georgia

Slightly Less Acidic Monroe Soils

Monroe County soils have an average pH of 5.38, placing them slightly above the Georgia average of 5.26. This is still more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which usually requires lime for most crops. Understanding this acidity is the first step toward peak productivity.

Sandy Profiles in Monroe

The mix is 60.4% sand and 16.7% clay, creating a fairly light soil profile. This high sand content helps with aeration and prevents compaction, though it can lead to faster nutrient leaching. Regular fertilizing may be necessary to keep plants healthy.

Above Average Water Storage

Organic matter is lower than the state average at 1.20% compared to 1.83%. However, the water capacity of 0.116 in/in is just above the state average, providing a reliable moisture reservoir for crops. This helps your garden stay resilient during Georgia's dry spells.

Monitoring Surface Hydrology

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current data. Given the sand-heavy composition, residents should watch for areas where water might drain away too quickly. Ensuring consistent moisture is key to successful growing.

Gardening Success in Zone 8b

Monroe County sits in Zone 8b, supporting a vast array of Southern favorites. Your soil's good water capacity makes it a great home for blueberries and other moisture-loving perennials. Take advantage of the long season to grow your own fresh produce.

Soil Composition

Sandy Loam
Sand: 60.4%
Silt: 20.1%
Clay: 16.7%
Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4pH
5.37756053207085
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: 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 Monroe County have?

Monroe County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 60% sand, 20% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Monroe County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Monroe 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 Monroe County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Monroe County.

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

Based on Monroe County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Monroe County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Monroe 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.