Wicomico County Soil Data
Wicomico County, Maryland
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
13.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Wicomico County, Maryland
Sandy loam defines the Wicomico heartland
Wicomico County features a soil pH of 5.45, which is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.31. This provides a solid foundation for the diverse agriculture the county is known for.
Dominant sand content for easy tilling
Over half of the soil—53.6%—is sand, with silt at 20.7% and clay at 7.1%. This light texture makes the soil exceptionally easy to work, though it may dry out faster than heavier soils.
Strong organic matter supports coastal crops
The organic matter content is a healthy 13.48%, which is well above the state's 9.10% average. The available water capacity is 0.167 in/in, indicating a need for consistent irrigation for thirsty plants.
Naturally porous soil structure
Specific drainage classes are not recorded in the data, but the high sand percentage implies a naturally porous structure. This soil allows air and water to reach roots quickly, which is ideal for many specialty crops.
Thriving in the Zone 7b climate
Wicomico is a prime location for growing sweet potatoes and blueberries in Zone 7b. Its high organic matter content ensures that even with sandy soil, your garden has the nutrients it needs to flourish.
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: Sandy 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 Wicomico County have?
Wicomico County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 21% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wicomico County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wicomico County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Wicomico County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Wicomico County.
What crops or plants grow well in Wicomico County's soil?
Based on Wicomico County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Wicomico County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Wicomico County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Wicomico County
Soil Verdict
Wicomico 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
Wicomico 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 Wicomico 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.