Benton County Soil Data
Benton County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Benton County, Mississippi
Acidic Ground in North Mississippi
Benton County features a pH of 5.28, sitting right near the state average but well below the national 6.5 benchmark. These soils are naturally weathered and require amendments to support alkaline-loving plants.
Dominantly Silty Texture
The soil is comprised of 59.7% silt, making it one of the siltiest counties in the state. This fine-textured ground holds 15.5% clay and 24.7% sand, creating a silty loam feel that is soft to the touch.
Exceptional Water Capacity
Benton boasts a high available water capacity of 0.198 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.174. However, the organic matter content is low at 1.37%, so adding compost is vital for nutrient cycling.
Stronger than State Averages
A soil score of 38.1 puts Benton County ahead of the state's 35.7 average. The high silt content helps with water storage, though growers must be careful to avoid compaction in these fine-grained soils.
Gardening in Cooler Zone 7b
As one of the cooler regions in Mississippi, zone 7b is perfect for spring peas and leafy greens. Utilize the high water capacity of this soil to grow lush gardens with less frequent irrigation.
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 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Benton County have?
Benton County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 60% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Benton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Benton County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Benton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Benton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Benton County's soil?
Based on Benton County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Benton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Benton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Benton County
Soil Verdict
Benton County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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
Benton County is somewhat cooler than the Mississippi statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Benton 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.