Anne Arundel County Soil Data
Anne Arundel County, Maryland
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.4%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Coastal Acidity Near the Chesapeake
Anne Arundel County soils have an average pH of 5.49, which is more alkaline than the state average of 5.31 but still acidic compared to the 6.5 national median. The county sits in a coastal transition zone where chemical properties are shaped by proximity to the bay. Taxonomic data is limited, but the pH suggests a need for lime in traditional vegetable gardens.
Sandy Shores and Fast Drainage
Dominated by 55.0% sand, these soils are easy to work and warm up quickly in the spring. Silt accounts for 30.8% of the mix, while clay is low at 12.8%, making the soil feel gritty and light. This high sand content ensures that roots have plenty of air but allows water to pass through rapidly.
Moderate Fertility and Water Storage
Organic matter sits at 4.36%, which is healthy by national standards but falls below the Maryland state average of 9.10%. The available water capacity of 0.143 in/in also trails the state average of 0.175, suggesting crops may need supplemental irrigation. Improving organic content will help these sandy soils hold onto vital nutrients.
Slow Infiltration Despite Sandy Texture
While the surface feels sandy, the county belongs to hydrologic group D, signaling high runoff potential and slow water movement through deeper layers. This paradox means that while the topsoil dries out, deeper drainage issues can affect large-scale building projects. Effective water management is key for both farmers and homeowners near the coast.
Coastal Gardening in Zone 7b
In Hardiness Zone 7b, the long growing season favors warm-weather crops like tomatoes, peppers, and melons. The sandy texture is particularly well-suited for root vegetables like carrots that prefer loose, stone-free earth. With a bit of extra compost, your Anne Arundel garden will flourish in the mild bay breeze.
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
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Anne Arundel County have?
Anne Arundel County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 31% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Anne Arundel County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Anne Arundel County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Anne Arundel County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Anne Arundel County.
What crops or plants grow well in Anne Arundel County's soil?
Based on Anne Arundel County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Anne Arundel County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Anne Arundel County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Anne Arundel County
Soil Verdict
Anne Arundel County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Anne Arundel County closely matches the Maryland average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Anne Arundel County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Maryland
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.