Catoosa County Soil Data

Catoosa County, Georgia

Avg pH

5.2

Texture

Loam

Drainage

Moderately well drained

Organic Matter

1.4%

Hydrologic Group

C

Data Story

About Soil in Catoosa County, Georgia

High-Quality Loam in Catoosa County

Catoosa County features an impressive soil score of 25.4, significantly higher than the Georgia average of 17.6. The dominant texture is loam, though its pH of 5.21 remains slightly more acidic than the state average.

A Perfectly Balanced Soil Texture

The soil is remarkably balanced with 46.7% silt, 31.1% sand, and 21.6% clay. This loamy mix offers the best of all worlds: easy workability from the sand, nutrient retention from the clay, and moisture holding from the silt.

Superior Water Capacity for Plants

The available water capacity of 0.163 in/in far exceeds the Georgia average of 0.114. While organic matter is 1.43%, the superior moisture retention makes this soil highly resilient during dry spells.

Moderate Drainage for Productive Lands

Classified as moderately well-drained in Hydrologic Group C, the soil manages water at a steady, controlled pace. This makes it productive for agriculture but requires careful site planning for construction and septic systems.

A Gardener’s Dream in Zone 8a

With such high-quality loam and a Zone 8a climate, you can grow almost anything from peaches to leafy greens. The soil's natural ability to hold water gives you a massive head start on a successful garden.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 31.1%
Silt: 46.7%
Clay: 21.6%
Loam

Soil pH

5.2pH
5.20869044314075
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

Soil Series

Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.

Hydrologic Group

Group C — Moderate-High Runoff

Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.

Runoff potential:Moderate-High

Drainage Class

Moderately well drained

Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.

Soil Profile

Dominant texture: Loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Catoosa County have?

Catoosa County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 47% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Catoosa County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Catoosa County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.

What is the drainage class for Catoosa County?

Catoosa County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.

What crops or plants grow well in Catoosa County's soil?

Based on Catoosa County's Loam texture, pH of 5.2, and Moderately well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.

What USDA soil order is found in Catoosa County?

Catoosa County's dominant soil order is Ultisols. Ultisols are highly weathered, clay-rich soils common in humid regions. They are low in natural fertility and often require lime and fertilizer for agriculture.

Other Counties in Georgia

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.