Carroll County Soil Data
Carroll County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Carroll County, Mississippi
Carroll's Moderate Acidic Soil
Carroll County has a pH of 5.57, which is more alkaline than the state average of 5.30. While it still trails the national median of 6.5, it offers a more balanced starting point for local gardeners.
Silt-Heavy Composition
The soil is 63.9% silt, the highest percentage among these counties, with only 19.0% sand. This high silt content produces a very fine, fertile soil that can be prone to crusting after heavy rains.
High Water Storage Potential
Available water capacity is high at 0.197 in/in, well above the state average of 0.174. Organic matter is 1.50%, indicating that while the soil holds water perfectly, it needs supplemental nutrients for peak performance.
Elite Soil Quality Score
Carroll County boasts a soil score of 46.0, nearly 30% higher than the Mississippi state average of 35.7. This high score points to a superior landscape for agriculture and sustainable land management.
Lush Gardening in Zone 8a
The fine, silty soil in zone 8a is perfect for growing large yields of sweet potatoes and squash. With such high water retention, your garden will be more resilient against the erratic Mississippi weather.
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 5.6. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Carroll County have?
Carroll County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 19% sand, 64% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Carroll County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Carroll County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Carroll County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Carroll County.
What crops or plants grow well in Carroll County's soil?
Based on Carroll County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.6, 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 Carroll County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Carroll County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Carroll County
Soil Verdict
Carroll 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
Carroll County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Carroll 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.