Tift County Soil Data
Tift County, Georgia
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Loamy sand
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Tift County, Georgia
Acidic Ultisols in the Coastal Plain
Tift County is characterized by loamy sand Ultisols with a pH of 5.20. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and slightly below Georgia's 5.26 average.
High Sand and Low Clay Content
The soil contains a high 80.7% sand and only 7.3% clay. While this makes the earth easy to work, it limits the soil's ability to hold onto vital nutrients.
Limited Organic Matter and Water Storage
Organic matter sits at 1.46%, trailing the state average of 1.83%. With an available water capacity of 0.093, these fields hold less moisture for crops than the typical 0.114 Georgia soil.
Moderately Well Drained Farmland
The land is classified as moderately well drained and belongs to hydrologic group C. This requires careful irrigation management during Georgia's dry spells to ensure consistent crop growth.
Peanuts and Watermelons Thrive Here
In Hardiness Zone 9a, heat-loving crops like peanuts and watermelons excel in these sandy fields. You can start a thriving garden by using lime to balance the naturally acidic soil.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loamy sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Tift County have?
Tift County's soil is classified as Loamy sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 81% sand, 12% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Tift County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Tift 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 Tift County?
Tift County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately 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 Tift County's soil?
Based on Tift County's Loamy sand texture, pH of 5.2, and Moderately 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 Tift County?
Tift 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.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Tift 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.