Calhoun County Soil Data
Calhoun County, Mississippi
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Calhoun County, Mississippi
The Silt Loam of Calhoun
Calhoun County's soil belongs to the Alfisols taxonomic order, featuring a pH of 5.18. This acidic nature is common in the state and means the soil has undergone significant leaching over time.
Heavy Silt with Limited Sand
The dominant texture is silt loam, consisting of 61.7% silt and only 22.0% sand. This mix creates a flour-like texture that retains moisture well but can become easily compacted by heavy machinery.
Superior Moisture Reservoir
While organic matter is low at 1.43%, the available water capacity is a robust 0.204 in/in. This significantly exceeds the state average of 0.174, making Calhoun's soil an excellent sponge for crop hydration.
Poor Drainage and High Runoff
The land is somewhat poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group D, meaning it sheds water slowly. These conditions require careful management for building foundations and field drainage.
Perfect for Thirsty Zone 8a Crops
The high water capacity in zone 8a makes this county ideal for moisture-loving plants like pecans and blueberries. Start a garden with confidence, knowing your soil will stay hydrated during the summer heat.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Somewhat poorly drained
Water is removed slowly enough that the soil is wet at shallow depths for significant periods. Mottling present.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Calhoun County have?
Calhoun County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 62% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Calhoun County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Calhoun 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 Calhoun County?
Calhoun County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Calhoun County's soil?
Based on Calhoun County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.2, and Somewhat poorly drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Calhoun County?
Calhoun County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Calhoun 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.