Nantucket County Soil Data
Nantucket County, Massachusetts
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Nantucket County, Massachusetts
The Island's Sandy Signature
Nantucket's soils are notably acidic with a pH of 4.09, which is higher than the Massachusetts average but remains below the national median of 6.5. This island soil earns a score of 34.9, reflecting its unique maritime environment.
Predominantly Sand and Sea
The profile is very sandy at 66.3%, with minimal silt at 15.2% and clay at 5.2%. This composition ensures rapid drainage but requires careful management to prevent essential nutrients from leaching away.
Lower Moisture Retention
Organic matter content reaches 7.46%, which exceeds the national average of 2.0% but falls short of the massive 29.25% state average. The available water capacity of 0.140 in/in is lower than the state norm, meaning plants may need supplemental watering during dry spells.
Fast-Draining Coastal Hydrology
Though official drainage classes are unlisted, the high sand percentage implies a naturally fast-draining landscape. This hydrology is excellent for preventing root rot but can make maintaining consistent soil moisture a challenge.
Maritime Gardening in Zone 7b
Boasting a milder Zone 7b climate, Nantucket supports a longer growing season than much of mainland Massachusetts. Coastal-ready shrubs like hydrangea and salt-tolerant herbs thrive in this sandy, maritime environment.
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 4.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Nantucket County have?
Nantucket County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 66% sand, 15% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Nantucket County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Nantucket County's soil has a low pH of 4.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Nantucket County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Nantucket County.
What crops or plants grow well in Nantucket County's soil?
Based on Nantucket County's Loam texture, pH of 4.1, 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 Nantucket County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Nantucket County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Nantucket County
Soil Verdict
Nantucket 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
Nantucket County is somewhat warmer than the Massachusetts statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Nantucket County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Massachusetts
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.