Nassau County Soil Data
Nassau County, New York
Avg pH
4.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
30.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Nassau County, New York
Highly Acidic Coastal Earth
Nassau County features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.15, well below the national median of 6.5. This unique chemical profile requires specific management or acid-loving plants for the best results.
Sandy Shores and Fast Drainage
The composition is predominantly sand at 51.7%, with very low clay levels at 5.4%. This high sand content results in fast-draining earth that is easy to dig but may lose nutrients quickly without amendments.
Staggering Organic Matter Content
Organic matter reaches a staggering 30.21%, nearly double the state average of 17.01%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.206 in/in, this soil holds onto moisture better than its sandy texture suggests.
Rapid Percolation Rates
While official drainage classifications are unavailable, the sand-heavy profile indicates naturally rapid water movement. Gardeners should monitor for dry spells, as the 51.7% sand ratio favors quick percolation.
Warm Seasons in Zone 7b
Located in hardiness zone 7b, Nassau offers a long growing season for heat-loving plants like tomatoes or peppers. Start your garden today to take advantage of these warm coastal conditions.
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 Nassau County have?
Nassau County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 52% sand, 21% silt, and 5% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Nassau County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Nassau 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 Nassau County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Nassau County.
What crops or plants grow well in Nassau County's soil?
Based on Nassau 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 Nassau County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Nassau County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Nassau 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.