Calvert County Soil Data
Calvert County, Maryland
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Calvert County, Maryland
Coastal Plain Soils of Calvert
Calvert County's soil profile is characterized by an average pH of 5.36, which is very close to the Maryland state average of 5.31. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, typical of coastal plain regions. No dominant taxonomic order is recorded, but the chemistry is consistent with sandy, weathered environments.
High Sand for Easy Aeration
At 56.6% sand, this soil is exceptionally light and well-aerated, allowing roots to expand with ease. Silt makes up 30.5% of the soil, while clay is low at 10.2%, resulting in a texture that resists compaction. This mix is perfect for plants that require sharp drainage and cannot tolerate 'wet feet'.
Average Water Retention and Organic Matter
Organic matter content is 4.87%, which is lower than the high state average of 9.10% but sufficient for many native species. The available water capacity is 0.172 in/in, nearly matching the state average of 0.175. This suggests that despite the high sand content, the soil manages to retain moisture reasonably well.
Coastal Water Movement Patterns
Detailed hydrologic and drainage data are not available for this county's dominant types, but the sandy composition usually indicates rapid infiltration. Gardeners should watch for nutrient leaching, as high-sand soils allow minerals to wash away more quickly than clay-heavy soils. Adding organic amendments is the best way to stabilize this environment.
Bountiful Bay Growing in Zone 7b
Zone 7b offers a long, warm season that is perfect for heat-loving crops like sweet potatoes and peppers. The sandy soil is a dream for gardeners who hate digging through heavy clay, making it easy to start a new patch. Get growing this spring and enjoy the productivity of Calvert's unique coastal earth.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
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
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Calvert County have?
Calvert County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 57% sand, 31% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Calvert County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Calvert 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 Calvert County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Calvert County.
What crops or plants grow well in Calvert County's soil?
Based on Calvert 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 Calvert County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Calvert County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Calvert 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.