What Is the pH of the Soil in Zone 9?

Florida

• The majority of Florida lies within USDA Zone 9. In Northern Florida, more clay soils dominate with pine forest habitats. Soils in this natural regime tend to be on the acidic side with pH less than 7.0. By contrast, farther south on the peninsula, sandy soils with calcareous origins dominate. These soil types are more neutral to alkaline pH. Addition of organic matter such as decaying pine needles, oak leaves, coffee grounds or pine bark can lower pH.

Texas

• Only along the Gulf Coast and inland from Port Lavaca to Eagle Pass does Texas fall in USDA Zone 9. The vast majority of soils in South Texas range from slightly to moderately alkaline, with pH from 7.5 to 8.5. Localized pockets of near neutral pH soil may exist, especially where native pine stands once grew or still exist. Proximity to the Gulf and layers of salt spray tend to make soil significantly more alkaline.

Desert Southwest and California

• USDA Zone 9 also exists along northern coastal and inland ranges of California, the Central Valley and in the low deserts near the Arizona border. Likewise, Zone 9 abuts Arizona in the southwestern low and intermediate deserts. In all these areas, the soil pH mainly ranges from neutral to moderately alkaline, 7.5 to 8.0. Slightly acidic soil only occurs along the northern coast and forested ranges of Northern California.

Precise Soil pH Data

• Contact your local cooperative extension office to learn of the soil types and expected pH ranges within your county. Extension agents can answer specific questions and even guide you through the process of conducting a soil test on your property. Soil pH can vary widely across an acre, especially if native vegetation still exists, residue from poured concrete leaches into soil or non-native backfill soil was placed around a building.