Attala County Soil Data
Attala County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.0
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Attala County, Mississippi
Attala's Acidic Silt Profile
The soil pH in Attala County is 5.04, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This sharp acidity is characteristic of the region and requires careful management for non-native plants.
High Silt, Low Clay Mix
A high silt content of 54.7% dominates the soil, providing a floury texture when dry. With 30.5% sand and only 14.7% clay, the soil is prone to erosion but remains very easy to cultivate by hand.
Superior Water Retention
Attala excels in water storage, with an available water capacity of 0.198 in/in that beats the state average of 0.174. While organic matter is slightly low at 1.61%, the soil's ability to hold water protects plants during Mississippi summers.
Solid Central Mississippi Performance
The county's overall soil score of 37.4 slightly exceeds the state average of 35.7. This indicates that despite the high acidity, the physical characteristics of the soil support healthy plant growth and stable land use.
Thriving in Zone 8a
Attala County gardeners in zone 8a can find great success with acid-loving berries and native wildflowers. Start a garden today by adding lime to balance the pH for your favorite summer vegetables.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Attala County have?
Attala County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 55% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Attala County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Attala County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Attala County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Attala County.
What crops or plants grow well in Attala County's soil?
Based on Attala County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Attala County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Attala County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Attala County
Soil Verdict
Attala 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
Attala County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Attala 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.