Kings County Soil Data
Kings County, New York
Avg pH
3.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
12.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Kings County, New York
Extreme Acidity in Brooklyn's Soil
Kings County soil is very acidic with an average pH of 3.89, far below the national median of 6.5. This level is also significantly lower than the state average of 5.11. Such high acidity is a primary factor for urban gardeners to address through soil amendments.
Urban Sandy Mix with Low Clay
The soil contains 46.3% sand, 14.1% silt, and only 5.2% clay. This high sand content means the soil is likely to drain very quickly but may struggle to hold onto nutrients. The low clay percentage keeps the soil from compacting, which is a rare benefit in an urban environment.
Lower Water Capacity in an Urban Setting
Organic matter is 12.11%, which is lower than the state average of 17.01%. The available water capacity is also low at 0.103 in/in, compared to the state average of 0.182 in/in. These soils may require extra irrigation and organic additions to support thirsty garden plants.
Fast Drainage Challenges for City Soils
Official drainage and hydrologic data are not recorded for this urban county. However, the high sand content and low water capacity point to very rapid drainage. Urban gardeners should focus on improving water retention through mulching and regular watering.
Thriving in the Warmth of Zone 7b
Kings County enjoys a long, warm growing season in hardiness zone 7b. This allows for a wider range of plants, including those that would not survive further north. By adding compost and lime, you can turn this sandy soil into a thriving urban oasis.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Kings County have?
Kings County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 46% sand, 14% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Kings County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Kings County's soil has a low pH of 3.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Kings County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Kings County.
What crops or plants grow well in Kings County's soil?
Based on Kings County's Loam texture, pH of 3.9, 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 Kings County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Kings County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Kings 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.