Mississippi County Soil Data
Mississippi County, Arkansas
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Mississippi County, Arkansas
Near-Neutral Soil in the Delta
Mississippi County boasts a pH of 6.31, coming remarkably close to the national median of 6.5. This is much more neutral than the typical Arkansas soil average of 5.56, making it highly versatile for various agricultural crops.
High Clay Content for Nutrient Retention
A sturdy mix of 34.0% sand, 39.3% silt, and 26.6% clay defines the ground here. This higher clay percentage provides excellent nutrient retention, though it can make the soil heavy to work when it is wet.
Superior Water Holding Capacity
The available water capacity of 0.159 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.148, ensuring plants have access to moisture. However, the organic matter content of 1.74% is lower than the state's 4.15% average, suggesting a benefit from compost.
Managing Delta Water Needs
Detailed drainage classes are not recorded, but the high clay content suggests slower natural drainage. Farmers here focus on precise water management to leverage the soil's natural ability to store nutrients and moisture over time.
A Prolific Harvest in Zone 8a
The county thrives in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, providing a robust window for cotton and soybeans. With such a neutral pH and high water capacity, your backyard garden is primed for a successful harvest of summer squash.
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
Soil Amendment Products
Browse products to improve your soil health and lawn performance.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Mississippi County have?
Mississippi County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 39% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Mississippi County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Mississippi County's soil has a pH of 6.3, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Mississippi County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Mississippi County.
What crops or plants grow well in Mississippi County's soil?
Based on Mississippi County's Loam texture, pH of 6.3, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Mississippi County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Mississippi County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Mississippi County
Soil Verdict
Mississippi County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°F. Mild winters mean soil rarely freezes deeply, allowing year-round microbial activity and faster organic matter breakdown.
Planting Guidance
Warm-season crops, citrus relatives, and heat-loving ornamentals do well. Cool-season vegetables should be planted in fall and winter. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Warm soils accelerate organic matter breakdown, so compost and mulch need replenishing more frequently than in cooler zones. Sandy soils common in warm zones drain quickly; water-retentive amendments like compost or peat help hold moisture.
Regional Context
Mississippi County closely matches the Arkansas average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Mississippi County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Arkansas
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.