Data Story
US Soil Conditions for Food Growing
Source: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service SSURGO Soil Survey Database, accessed via USDA Soil Data Access REST API.
Analyzed by Growable Ground, April 2026.
Optimal pH Range
6.0 - 7.0
Most vegetables
Drainage Classes
7 classes
USDA SSURGO
US Coverage
~95%
Field-measured soil data
Soil pH Scale for Food Growing
Optimal Vegetable Range Highlighted
Most vegetables thrive in the 6.0-7.0 range. Acidic soils can be amended with lime; alkaline soils with sulfur.
Key Statistics
US Soil for Food Growing
- USDA SSURGO is the most comprehensive soil survey in the world — covering 95% of the US land area with field-measured soil data.
- USDA soil drainage classes range from Excessively Drained to Very Poorly Drained — drainage class is one of the strongest predictors of vegetable crop suitability at the parcel level.
- Soil pH — the measure of acidity or alkalinity — directly determines nutrient availability. Most vegetables thrive in the 6.0-7.0 range; many US soils outside this range can be amended with lime (for acidic soils) or sulfur (for alkaline soils).
- The USDA SSURGO database contains data for over 20,000 soil map units across the US — each with distinct properties that affect what will grow successfully.
Why Soil Data Matters
Two properties on the same street can have completely different soil types. One might have well-drained sandy loam perfect for root vegetables, while the next lot has poorly-drained clay that would drown the same crops. USDA SSURGO maps these differences at field resolution.
Your soil's pH, drainage class, texture, and depth determine which plants will thrive without expensive amendments. Knowing your soil before planting saves time, money, and failed harvests.
See Your Soil Data
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is USDA SSURGO?
SSURGO (Soil Survey Geographic Database) is maintained by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. It contains detailed soil maps and property data covering 95% of the US land area, collected through decades of field surveys.
What soil drainage class is best for vegetable gardens?
Most vegetable crops perform best in "Well Drained" or "Moderately Well Drained" soils. "Somewhat Poorly Drained" soils can work with raised beds. "Poorly Drained" and "Very Poorly Drained" soils require significant modification for most food crops.