Wayne County Soil Data
Wayne County, Georgia
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loamy sand
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
B/D
Data Story
About Soil in Wayne County, Georgia
Acidic Sands and Ultisols
Wayne County soils belong to the Ultisols order and have an average pH of 5.11. This is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.26 and well below the 6.5 national median.
Dominant Loamy Sand Texture
A loamy sand texture prevails, consisting of 81.6% sand, 9.9% silt, and 8.5% clay. This high sand proportion creates a loose soil that is easy to till but drains very quickly.
Moderate Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter measures 1.81%, nearly matching the state average of 1.83%. The available water capacity is 0.085 in/in, which is lower than the state average and indicates a need for frequent irrigation.
Navigating Poorly Drained Soils
These poorly drained soils fall into hydrologic group B/D, presenting unique management challenges. While they consist mostly of sand, high water tables can cause saturation issues in low-lying areas.
Citrus Potential in Zone 9a
Wayne County’s Zone 9a climate is ideal for citrus and other frost-sensitive plants. Focus on adding mulch to retain moisture in your sandy, fast-draining garden beds.
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
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
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 Wayne County have?
Wayne County's soil is classified as Loamy sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 82% sand, 10% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wayne County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wayne County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Wayne County?
Wayne County has a dominant drainage class of "Poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Wayne County's soil?
Based on Wayne County's Loamy sand texture, pH of 5.1, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Wayne County?
Wayne 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 Wayne 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.