Holmes County Soil Data
Holmes County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Holmes County, Mississippi
Classic Acidic Mississippi Soil Profile
Holmes County features an average soil pH of 5.40, mirroring the typical acidic nature of the state's geography. This is notably lower than the national median of 6.5, though it is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.30. This chemical profile influences which nutrients are most available to plants.
Silty Loam Characteristics Drive Workability
The soil is comprised of 60.1% silt, 22.0% sand, and 17.9% clay. This mix provides a balanced texture that offers better drainage than high-clay soils while retaining more nutrients than sandy ones. It is a versatile composition for diverse agricultural uses.
Strong Organic Matter Levels Boost Growth
Holmes County soil contains 2.05% organic matter, surpassing both the state average of 1.81% and the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.198 in/in, this soil provides a nutrient-rich environment for local farmers. The higher organic content helps buffer the soil against rapid pH changes.
Hydraulic Performance in Holmes County
Specific data on drainage classes and hydrologic groups is not currently available for this area. However, the high silt and moderate clay percentages generally suggest steady, if not rapid, water movement. Local land managers should monitor for erosion, as silty soils are particularly vulnerable.
Zone 8a Gardening Success
The 8a hardiness zone in Holmes County supports a wide variety of southern staples like pecans and sweet potatoes. With higher-than-average organic matter, your garden is already a step ahead for the spring planting season. It is a great time to test your soil and begin a vegetable patch.
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 Holmes County have?
Holmes County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 22% sand, 60% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Holmes County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Holmes 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 Holmes County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Holmes County.
What crops or plants grow well in Holmes County's soil?
Based on Holmes 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 Holmes County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Holmes County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Holmes County
Soil Verdict
Holmes 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
Holmes County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 8a-8b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Holmes 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.