Clay County Soil Data
Clay County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg 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
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: 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 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Clay County
Soil Verdict
Clay 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
Clay County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Clay 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.