Clarke County Soil Data
Clarke County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Clarke County, Mississippi
Sandy Acids of Clarke County
The soil in Clarke County is quite acidic, with an average pH of 5.26. This falls just short of the state average of 5.30 and is notably lower than the national median of 6.5.
High Sand and Fast Drainage
Sand dominates the landscape at 57.3%, the highest fraction among its neighbors. Combined with 26.3% silt and 16.5% clay, this creates a coarse-textured soil that is very easy to dig.
Challenges in Water Retention
The available water capacity is 0.151 in/in, which trails the state average of 0.174 in/in. Organic matter is decent at 1.78%, nearly meeting the state average, but the sand makes it harder to keep the soil moist.
Quick-Drying Sandy Profiles
A soil score of 28.4 reflects the challenges of farming in such sandy earth compared to the state average of 35.7. Because sand makes up over half the soil, you can expect excellent drainage but may need to irrigate frequently.
Root Crops for Zone 8b
Zone 8b’s warm climate and sandy soil are perfect for root crops like sweet potatoes and carrots. Start a garden now and use thick mulch to help your soil hold onto every drop of water.
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: Sandy 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 Clarke County have?
Clarke County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 57% sand, 26% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Clarke County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Clarke 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 Clarke County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Clarke County.
What crops or plants grow well in Clarke County's soil?
Based on Clarke County's Sandy 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 Clarke County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Clarke County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Clarke County
Soil Verdict
Clarke 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
Clarke County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Clarke 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.