Worcester County Soil Data
Worcester County, Maryland
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.7
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
Subaqueous
Organic Matter
13.0%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Worcester County, Maryland
Coastal soils with higher pH levels
Worcester County features an average pH of 5.75, which is significantly higher than the state average of 5.31. This makes the soil slightly more balanced for a wider variety of plants.
Sand-heavy profile near the Atlantic
The soil is 52.1% sand, 22.5% silt, and 7.6% clay. This composition is typical for coastal regions, offering a light, well-aerated environment for root systems to expand.
Rich organic matter with low water storage
At 13.01%, organic matter is well above the state average of 9.10%. However, the available water capacity is the lowest in the region at 0.152 in/in, meaning the soil does not hold moisture for long.
Subaqueous soils and slow infiltration
The county contains subaqueous soils and belongs to Hydrologic Group D. Despite the high sand content, these classifications suggest areas with high water tables or restricted drainage due to the low elevation.
Coastal gardening in Zone 7b
The 7b hardiness zone is excellent for figs and summer squash. Gardeners should use the high organic matter to their advantage while keeping a close eye on watering during the peak of summer.
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
Subaqueous
Drainage class: Subaqueous
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 5.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Worcester County have?
Worcester County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 52% sand, 23% silt, and 8% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Worcester County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Worcester 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 Worcester County?
Worcester County has a dominant drainage class of "Subaqueous." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Worcester County's soil?
Based on Worcester County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.7, and Subaqueous, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Worcester County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Worcester County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Worcester County
Soil Verdict
Worcester 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
Worcester 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 Worcester 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.