Alcorn County Soil Data
Alcorn County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Alcorn County, Mississippi
Typical Southern Acidic Soils
Alcorn County's soil pH of 5.36 aligns closely with the Mississippi average of 5.30. This acidic profile is much sharper than the national 6.5 median, often requiring lime treatments for traditional garden vegetables.
Balanced Mix of Sand and Silt
The soil composition is 48.0% silt and 34.2% sand, providing a gritty but cohesive feel. With only 17.8% clay, the soil remains relatively easy to tilt and work during the spring planting season.
Strong Organic Matter Levels
At 1.87%, the organic matter content in Alcorn exceeds the state average of 1.81%. Coupled with an available water capacity of 0.181 in/in, this soil holds nutrients and moisture better than many surrounding areas.
Reliable Agricultural Foundation
The county achieves a soil score of 39.8, outperforming the state average of 35.7 despite missing specific drainage classifications. This indicates a solid foundation for both building projects and agricultural ventures.
Success in Zone 8a
Zone 8a supports a wide range of crops including blueberries, azaleas, and camellias which thrive in acidic soil. Gardeners should test their soil early to manage the pH for heavy feeders like tomatoes.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Alcorn County have?
Alcorn County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 48% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Alcorn County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Alcorn County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Alcorn County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Alcorn County.
What crops or plants grow well in Alcorn County's soil?
Based on Alcorn County's Loam texture, pH of 5.4, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Alcorn County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Alcorn County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Alcorn County
Soil Verdict
Alcorn 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
Alcorn County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Alcorn County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Mississippi
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.