Copiah County Soil Data
Copiah County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Copiah County, Mississippi
Acidic Silts of Copiah
Copiah County features a soil pH of 5.25, hovering just below the state average of 5.30. This acidity is quite high compared to the national median of 6.5, a common trait for Central Mississippi.
Silt-Heavy and Easy to Work
The soil is over half silt at 52.5%, with 34.1% sand providing additional aeration. This creates a fine-textured ground that is easy to till, though the low 13.4% clay content means it lacks some structural strength.
Surpassing State Water Averages
The soil’s available water capacity of 0.184 in/in is better than the state average of 0.174 in/in. Even with organic matter at a modest 1.43%, the high silt content ensures your plants have a reliable water supply.
Productive Soils for Truck Farming
A soil score of 32.1 indicates these soils are competitive with the state average of 35.7 for agricultural use. While specific hydrologic data is not available, the balanced sand and silt mix usually provides moderate drainage.
Vegetable Gardening in Zone 8b
As a historic hub for vegetable farming, Copiah’s zone 8b is perfect for tomatoes and peppers. Add some lime to your garden bed to help balance the acidity and unlock more nutrients for your plants.
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 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Copiah County have?
Copiah County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 53% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Copiah County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Copiah 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 Copiah County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Copiah County.
What crops or plants grow well in Copiah County's soil?
Based on Copiah County's Silt 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 Copiah County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Copiah County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Copiah County
Soil Verdict
Copiah 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
Copiah County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Copiah 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.