Plymouth County Soil Data
Plymouth County, Massachusetts
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
2.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
50.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Plymouth County, Massachusetts
The Most Acidic Soils in the State
Plymouth County features an extremely acidic soil profile with a pH of just 1.96, the lowest recorded in the state. This unique chemistry is tied to its famous wetlands and peat-rich landscapes, earning the county a soil score of 43.5.
A High Organic Matrix
The soil contains 25.3% sand and 10.1% silt, with a very low 1.7% clay content. This light mineral structure is heavily influenced by the high volume of organic material that dominates the soil matrix.
Massive Organic Matter Peaks
Fertility here is driven by a massive 49.97% organic matter content, nearly double the state average of 29.25%. Despite this, available water capacity is 0.146 in/in, likely due to the porous nature of the organic fibers.
Wetland and Bog Hydrology
While drainage classes are not officially recorded, the high organic content and low pH are characteristic of bogs and lowlands. Proper water management is crucial, as the hydrology is deeply intertwined with the region's high water table.
Cranberry Capital of the World
Zone 6b temperatures and acidic, organic-rich soil make Plymouth ideal for specialized crops like cranberries. For home gardeners, acid-loving plants like blueberries and rhododendrons will provide the best results.
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 2.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Plymouth County have?
Plymouth County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 10% silt, and 2% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Plymouth County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Plymouth County's soil has a low pH of 2.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Plymouth County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Plymouth County.
What crops or plants grow well in Plymouth County's soil?
Based on Plymouth County's Loam texture, pH of 2.0, 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 Plymouth County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Plymouth County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Plymouth County
Soil Verdict
Plymouth County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach -5°F. Freeze-thaw cycles are moderate; soil biology slows in winter but recovers reliably in spring, supporting a broad range of plants.
Planting Guidance
A wide plant palette is possible: deciduous trees, most shrubs, cool-season vegetables, and many perennials thrive here. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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
Moderate freeze-thaw cycles naturally aerate the soil but can also cause compaction in clay-heavy areas; annual core aeration is beneficial. Organic matter amendments decompose at a moderate pace — aim for 3-5% organic content for optimal fertility. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Plymouth County closely matches the Massachusetts average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 6b-7a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Plymouth 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.