Claiborne County Soil Data
Claiborne County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Claiborne County, Mississippi
The Silty Loess of Claiborne
Claiborne County maintains an average pH of 5.49, which is less acidic than the state average of 5.30. While it is more alkaline than its neighbors, it remains below the national median of 6.5.
Dominated by Deep Silt
The soil composition is a massive 71.0% silt, creating a smooth and fine texture. With only 13.2% sand and 15.7% clay, this soil is exceptionally uniform but prone to compaction if handled while wet.
Elite Water Holding Capacity
Available water capacity stands at 0.217 in/in, far surpassing the state average of 0.174 in/in. This exceptional moisture retention contributes to a high soil score of 48.5, well above the state average of 35.7.
High Productivity and Slow Drainage
The extreme silt levels suggest the soil holds onto moisture for long periods, which is great for crops but requires careful drainage planning. Though specific classes are not listed, the low 13.2% sand fraction means water moves slowly through these deep layers.
Long Seasons in Zone 8b
Claiborne’s zone 8b climate and deep silts are ideal for high-yield vegetables and pecans. Your garden will stay hydrated longer here than in almost any other county in the state.
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 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Claiborne County have?
Claiborne County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 13% sand, 71% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Claiborne County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Claiborne County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Claiborne County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Claiborne County.
What crops or plants grow well in Claiborne County's soil?
Based on Claiborne County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Claiborne County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Claiborne County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Claiborne County
Soil Verdict
Claiborne 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
Claiborne County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Claiborne 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.