Bronx County Soil Data
Bronx County, New York
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
10.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bronx County, New York
Urban Soils with Unique Acidity
The Bronx features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.03, the lowest in this group. This sits far below both the national median of 6.5 and the New York state average of 5.11.
Sandy Mix for Rapid Drainage
The composition is 38.4% sand, 22.2% silt, and only 6.7% clay. This sandy mix leads to fast drainage, which can be a challenge for maintaining consistent moisture in an urban environment.
Surprising Organic Matter in the City
Organic matter measures a surprising 10.62%, significantly higher than the 2.0% national average. However, the available water capacity of 0.120 in/in is quite low compared to the state average of 0.182, meaning the soil dries out quickly.
Water Management in the Urban Landscape
Formal drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unavailable for this urban landscape. Gardeners should watch for rapid runoff and consider raised beds to better manage water flow and soil health.
Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7b
Located in hardiness zone 7b, the Bronx enjoys a long growing season suitable for heat-loving tomatoes and peppers. Despite a lower soil score of 32.0, the warm climate and high organic matter offer a great start for urban growers.
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 4.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bronx County have?
Bronx County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 22% silt, and 7% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bronx County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bronx County's soil has a low pH of 4.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Bronx County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bronx County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bronx County's soil?
Based on Bronx County's Loam texture, pH of 4.0, 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 Bronx County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bronx County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Bronx County
Soil Verdict
Bronx 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
Bronx County is somewhat warmer than the New York statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bronx County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in New York
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.