Clay County Soil Data

Clay County, Mississippi

Avg pH

5.6

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

2.0%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Clay County, Mississippi

Higher pH in Clay County

Clay County features a pH of 5.58, which is significantly more alkaline than the state average of 5.30. It still trends more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which is typical for the region.

A Rich Texture Blend

Despite its name, the soil is a balanced mix of 43.9% silt, 30.3% sand, and 23.6% clay. This diversity provides enough clay for nutrient storage and enough sand for reasonable workability.

Leading the State in Organic Matter

With 2.00% organic matter, Clay County hits the national average and exceeds the state average of 1.81%. This high fertility contributes to a strong soil score of 42.4, marking it as prime agricultural land.

Balanced Hydrology for Farming

The soil score of 42.4 puts Clay County well ahead of the 35.7 state average. The available water capacity of 0.169 in/in is nearly on par with the state benchmark, providing reliable support for local crops.

Heavy Feeders in Zone 8a

The rich organic matter makes this county perfect for heavy feeders like corn, squash, and tomatoes. Plant your garden today to take advantage of some of the best soil in Mississippi.

Soil Composition

Loam
Sand: 30.3%
Silt: 43.9%
Clay: 23.6%
Loam

Soil pH

5.6pH
5.57916429799722
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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: Loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Clay County have?

Clay County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 44% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Clay County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Clay 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 Clay County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Clay County.

What crops or plants grow well in Clay County's soil?

Based on Clay County's 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 Clay County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Clay County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.