Forrest County Soil Data
Forrest County, Mississippi
Avg pH
4.6
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Forrest County, Mississippi
Highly Acidic Southern Soils
Forrest County features very acidic soil with an average pH of 4.62, much lower than the national median of 6.5. This level is also significantly below the state average of 5.30, requiring lime for most traditional gardening.
Sandy Texture and Easy Workability
The soil consists of 50.3% sand and 31.8% silt, making it light and easy to till. With clay at only 9.2%, the ground drains quickly but may struggle to hold onto essential plant nutrients.
Rich Organic Matter Content
At 2.54%, organic matter content is remarkably high, exceeding both state and national averages. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.150 in/in is lower than the state average, meaning irrigation is often necessary.
Rapid Drainage Characteristics
While specific drainage class data is limited for this area, the high sand percentage ensures fast water movement. This physical makeup helps prevent root rot but requires careful management of water resources during dry spells.
Blueberries Love Zone 8b
The warm Zone 8b climate and acidic soil create perfect conditions for blueberries and azaleas. Local growers should focus on acid-loving plants to take full advantage of the county's natural soil chemistry.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Forrest County have?
Forrest County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 50% sand, 32% silt, and 9% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Forrest County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Forrest County's soil has a low pH of 4.6, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Forrest County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Forrest County.
What crops or plants grow well in Forrest County's soil?
Based on Forrest County's Loam texture, pH of 4.6, 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 Forrest County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Forrest County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Forrest 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.