Kent County Soil Data
Kent County, Maryland
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Fine sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
8.0%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Kent County, Maryland
Ultisols of the Upper Eastern Shore
Kent County features fine sandy loam soil classified under the Ultisols taxonomic order. It has a pH of 5.17, which is slightly more acidic than the Maryland average of 5.31. These are older, highly weathered soils that have supported centuries of Eastern Shore farming.
Fine sandy loam provides easy workability
The composition is 40.8% sand, 38.1% silt, and only 10.4% clay. This fine sandy loam is prized by farmers for its workability and light texture. It doesn't compact as easily as clay-heavy soils, making it excellent for root development.
High water capacity in sandy ground
Organic matter sits at 8.02%, which is healthy but slightly below the 9.10% state average. Despite the sandy texture, the available water capacity is a strong 0.179 in/in, beating the state average of 0.175. This indicates the silt and organic matter work effectively to hold onto moisture.
Superior drainage for prime farmland
The soil is categorized as well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This means it has a moderate infiltration rate and allows water to move through the profile efficiently. It is ideal for agriculture because the roots of crops are rarely suffocated by standing water.
Abundant harvests in Zone 7b
Kent County's 7b hardiness zone and well-drained loam are perfect for high-value crops like corn, soy, and vegetables. The fine sandy texture is particularly good for carrots and other root crops that need loose soil to expand. Start your garden now to enjoy the legendary productivity of this Eastern Shore soil.
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
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Fine sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Kent County have?
Kent County's soil is classified as Fine sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 38% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Kent County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Kent 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 Kent County?
Kent County has a dominant drainage class of "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 Kent County's soil?
Based on Kent County's Fine sandy loam texture, pH of 5.2, and 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 Kent County?
Kent 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Kent County
Soil Verdict
Kent 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
Kent 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 Kent 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.