Bolivar County Soil Data
Bolivar County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.0
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bolivar County, Mississippi
Rich Delta Soil Profile
Bolivar County's pH of 6.04 is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than most of Mississippi. This favorable acidity level is a hallmark of the fertile Delta region, supporting intensive agriculture.
Heavy Clay and Silt Mix
With 29.7% clay and 44.3% silt, this is a heavy soil that can be challenging to work when wet. The 26.0% sand helps slightly with drainage, but the clay dominates the soil's physical behavior.
Nutrient Retention and Moisture
The organic matter level of 1.42% is below the state average, but the high clay content provides excellent nutrient-holding capacity. Surprisingly, the available water capacity of 0.165 in/in is lower than the state average, requiring careful irrigation.
Above Average Soil Quality
Bolivar earns a soil score of 41.7, comfortably beating the state average of 35.7. This high rating reflects the county's reputation as a powerhouse for large-scale farming and productive land.
Productive Delta Zone 8b
The combination of zone 8b and Delta soil is legendary for cotton, soybeans, and corn. Home gardeners can grow massive harvests of tomatoes and peppers in this rich, less-acidic ground.
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: Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bolivar County have?
Bolivar County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 26% sand, 44% silt, and 30% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bolivar County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bolivar County's soil has a pH of 6.0, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Bolivar County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bolivar County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bolivar County's soil?
Based on Bolivar County's Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.0, 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 Bolivar County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bolivar County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Bolivar County
Soil Verdict
Bolivar County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 15°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
Bolivar County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bolivar 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.