Talbot County Soil Data
Talbot County, Maryland
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
13.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Talbot County, Maryland
Top-tier agricultural soil in Talbot
Talbot County earns a high soil score of 75.5, reflecting its superior quality for growing. Its average pH of 5.52 is better than the state average but remains below the 6.5 national median.
Equal parts sand and silt balance
The soil is remarkably balanced with 35.7% sand and 35.5% silt. This combination, paired with just 9.3% clay, creates a friable soil that is easy to cultivate and promotes healthy root growth.
High water capacity supports lush crops
The soil holds a high 13.42% organic matter, well above the 9.10% state average. An available water capacity of 0.212 in/in means this soil is excellent at storing moisture for plants during the summer heat.
Efficient nutrient cycling for farmers
Although specific drainage classes are not listed, the high soil score and organic content indicate a very healthy hydrologic environment. These soils are prized for their ability to retain nutrients while preventing waterlogging.
Bountiful harvests in Hardiness Zone 8a
The warm Zone 8a climate combined with rich soil makes Talbot a premier spot for gardening. From specialty flowers to heavy-feeding vegetables, almost anything will thrive in this fertile ground.
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 Talbot County have?
Talbot County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 36% sand, 35% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Talbot County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Talbot 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 Talbot County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Talbot County.
What crops or plants grow well in Talbot County's soil?
Based on Talbot 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 Talbot County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Talbot County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Talbot County
Soil Verdict
Talbot County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°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
Talbot County is somewhat warmer than the Maryland statewide average. 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 Talbot 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.