Cecil County Soil Data
Cecil County, Maryland
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Cecil County, Maryland
The Upper Shore's Productive Earth
Cecil County features a strong soil score of 62.8 and an average pH of 5.53. This puts its acidity levels slightly above the Maryland state average of 5.31, though still more acidic than the 6.5 national median. It serves as a transition zone between the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain, offering unique growing conditions.
Silty Loam Foundations
The composition is dominated by 44.7% silt and 34.0% sand, creating a texture that holds together well and supports deep root systems. With 14.2% clay, the soil has enough body to retain minerals but remains manageable for standard garden equipment. This mix is highly effective for both pasture land and row crops.
Top-Tier Water Retention Capabilities
Cecil County excels in water storage, with an available water capacity of 0.194 in/in, the highest among these eight counties. Organic matter sits at 5.16%, which is lower than the state average of 9.10% but provides a healthy biological base. The high water capacity is a major asset for maintaining lush lawns and productive gardens.
Reliable Moisture Management
Detailed drainage classifications are not available for the dominant soil, but the high water capacity suggests a deep, absorbent profile. The balanced silt-to-clay ratio helps mitigate the risks of both drought and flash flooding by regulating how water moves through the earth. This makes it a very forgiving soil for beginner gardeners.
Lush Landscapes in Zone 7b
In Hardiness Zone 7b, you can grow a diverse array of perennials, shrubs, and summer vegetables. The exceptional water capacity of Cecil's soil makes it particularly good for thirsty plants like hydrangeas or late-season squash. Join the local growing community and make the most of this water-rich landscape.
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: 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 Cecil County have?
Cecil County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 45% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cecil County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cecil County's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Cecil County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Cecil County.
What crops or plants grow well in Cecil County's soil?
Based on Cecil County's Loam texture, pH of 5.5, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Cecil County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Cecil County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Cecil County
Soil Verdict
Cecil 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
Cecil County closely matches the Maryland average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cecil 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.