Prince George's County Soil Data
Prince George's County, Maryland
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
4.6%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Prince George's County, Maryland
Acidic soils dominate the landscape
The county's soil features an average pH of 4.84, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This high acidity levels suggest that local gardeners may need to amend their plots with lime to balance the chemistry.
High sand content ensures quick drainage
The soil composition is 50.5% sand, 34.3% silt, and 13.1% clay. This sandy mix provides excellent workability for farmers but may require more frequent fertilization due to lower nutrient retention.
Organic matter falls below state averages
Organic matter sits at 4.58%, which is roughly half of the Maryland average of 9.10%. However, the available water capacity of 0.177 in/in remains slightly above the state baseline, providing a steady moisture supply for roots.
Heavy runoff potential in Hydrologic Group D
While specific drainage classes and taxonomic orders are not recorded, the soil belongs to Hydrologic Group D. This indicates very slow infiltration rates, meaning water tends to run off the surface rather than soaking in deeply.
Thriving gardens in Hardiness Zone 7b
With a 7b hardiness rating, Prince George's County is ideal for growing heat-loving vegetables like peppers and tomatoes. Gardeners can overcome the low organic matter by mixing in compost to build a thriving backyard oasis.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Prince George's County have?
Prince George's County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 51% sand, 34% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Prince George's County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Prince George's County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Prince George's County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Prince George's County.
What crops or plants grow well in Prince George's County's soil?
Based on Prince George's County's Loam texture, pH of 4.8, 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 Prince George's County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Prince George's County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Prince George's County
Soil Verdict
Prince George's 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
Prince George's County closely matches the Maryland average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Prince George's 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.