Greene County Soil Data
Greene County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Greene County, Mississippi
Acidic Soil of the Piney Woods
The soil in Greene County has an average pH of 5.10, which is more acidic than the 6.5 national median. This acidity is typical for the region's pine-dominated forests and sits slightly below the state average.
Coarse and Gritty Texture
The soil composition is 62.3% sand and 25.6% silt, creating a coarse texture that resists compaction. Clay is minimal at 10.7%, which allows for high permeability but limited nutrient storage.
Exceeding Organic Matter Benchmarks
Organic matter is high at 2.39%, beating both state and national averages. The available water capacity is 0.146 in/in, which is lower than the state's 0.174 average, signaling that moisture management is critical for success.
Well-Drained Sandy Landscape
While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the high sand percentage suggests the ground is very well-drained. This helps prevent standing water and root rot during the heavy rainstorms common in Mississippi.
Greene County's Zone 8b Potential
The Hardiness Zone 8b climate allows for a variety of southern staples and ornamentals. Gardeners should consider adding compost to improve the water capacity of these sandy, high-organic soils.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Greene County have?
Greene County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 62% sand, 26% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Greene County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Greene County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Greene County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Greene County.
What crops or plants grow well in Greene County's soil?
Based on Greene County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Greene County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Greene County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Greene County
Soil Verdict
Greene 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
Greene County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Greene 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.