Forida Soil Types

Florida has many different types of soil.

The determination of soil type often depends on how well water drains from them. Florida is home to numerous types of soil, each with different drainage abilities.

Bays and Savannas

The soils found in bays and savannas, usually found in flat areas, typically drain poorly or very poorly. Vegetation common to these soils include some pines and hardwoods.

Flatwoods

These poorly to somewhat poorly drained soils are found in gently sloping, flat areas. Their fertility is poor, although some vegetation such as longleaf pine and wiregrass does grow here.

Sands to Sandy-Clay Soils

These moderately well- to well-drained soils characterize many level to rolling regions of the coastal plain. Both sandy and clay soils are useful for agriculture, although the former, due to its lack of nutrients, must be fertilized in order to produce sustainable agriculture. A number of plants grow here, including common vegetables, pasture grasses and some types of pine trees.

Sandhills

Sandhill soils, typically identified as excessively drained, are usually found in the northern regions of Florida. Although lacking in nutrients, a number of types of pine do grow here.

References

• University of Florida: Florida Forestry Information