Franklin County Soil Data
Franklin County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Franklin County, Mississippi
Acidic Silt Identity
Franklin County's soil has an average pH of 5.37, which aligns closely with the Mississippi state average. This is more acidic than the national 6.5 median, favoring plants that can tolerate low-pH environments.
Silty Foundation and Fine Texture
Silt dominates the composition at 56.3%, giving the soil a smooth, floury feel when dry. Sand makes up 30.7% and clay accounts for 13.0%, a combination that offers moderate workability for local farmers.
Strong Water Retention Capacity
The soil provides an available water capacity of 0.186 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.174 in/in. Organic matter is 1.41%, indicating that the soil would benefit from additional organic amendments to reach the 2.0% national average.
Erosion Management is Key
Data regarding specific drainage classes is currently limited for this county. However, the high silt content suggests that the ground can be prone to erosion and crusting after heavy rains.
Abundant Growth in 8b
Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, Franklin County supports a long and productive growing season. The high water capacity makes this an excellent location for fruit trees like figs and pecans.
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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Franklin County have?
Franklin County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 31% sand, 56% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Franklin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Franklin County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Franklin County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Franklin County.
What crops or plants grow well in Franklin County's soil?
Based on Franklin County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Franklin County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Franklin County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Franklin County
Soil Verdict
Franklin 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
Franklin County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Franklin 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.