Queen Anne's County Soil Data
Queen Anne's County, Maryland
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
12.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Queen Anne's County, Maryland
High-scoring soil for Eastern Shore farming
The county boasts an impressive soil score of 78.8 out of 100. Its average pH of 5.74 is higher than the state average of 5.31, though it remains below the national median of 6.5.
Balanced textures create ideal silt-sand mix
The soil contains nearly equal parts sand at 36.9% and silt at 36.3%, with a low clay content of 9.5%. This balanced structure allows for excellent root penetration and easy tilling throughout the growing season.
Exceptional organic matter fuels plant growth
At 12.15%, the organic matter content far exceeds the state average of 9.10% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.212 in/in is also significantly higher than the state average, ensuring resilience during dry spells.
Superior moisture retention for high yields
While specific hydrologic groups are not listed in the data, the high soil score suggests a very productive drainage profile. The combination of high organic matter and water capacity supports intensive agricultural use.
Prime conditions in Hardiness Zone 7b
Queen Anne's County is a gardener's paradise within Zone 7b, supporting everything from corn to leafy greens. The naturally rich organic matter means you can start a successful garden with minimal initial soil building.
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 5.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Queen Anne's County have?
Queen Anne's County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 36% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Queen Anne's County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Queen Anne's County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Queen Anne's County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Queen Anne's County.
What crops or plants grow well in Queen Anne's County's soil?
Based on Queen Anne's County's Loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 Queen Anne's County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Queen Anne's County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Queen Anne's County
Soil Verdict
Queen Anne'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
Queen Anne's 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 Queen Anne'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.