Humphreys County Soil Data
Humphreys County, Mississippi
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Silty Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Humphreys County, Mississippi
Acidic Clay-Rich Soils of Humphreys
Humphreys County soil has an average pH of 5.29, which is nearly identical to the Mississippi state average of 5.30. This acidic environment is over a full point below the national median of 6.5. This low pH often requires lime amendments for traditional turf and many garden crops.
High Clay Content Impacts Drainage
With 33.7% clay and 47.9% silt, this soil is much heavier than its neighbors. The high clay percentage increases nutrient retention but can make the soil difficult to work when wet and prone to shrinking or swelling. Only 18.4% of the mix is sand, which limits natural aeration.
Hydrating the Delta Landscape
The soil holds a water capacity of 0.192 in/in, which is better than the state average of 0.174. However, the organic matter content is relatively low at 1.43%, trailing the state benchmark of 1.81%. Increasing organic inputs can help improve the structure of these heavy clay soils.
Managing Heavy Soil Water Movement
While specific hydrologic group data is missing, the 33.7% clay content suggests that drainage may be slow in many areas. This can lead to ponding after heavy rains, which is a critical consideration for both farming and construction. Proper site grading is essential in this environment.
Growing in the Heart of Zone 8b
Humphreys County resides in hardiness zone 8b, where long summers favor cotton and soybeans. The soil’s high water capacity is an asset during dry spells, though the clay requires careful management. Consider raised beds for your home garden to ensure better drainage for your vegetables.
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: Silty Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Humphreys County have?
Humphreys County's soil is classified as Silty Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 48% silt, and 34% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Humphreys County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Humphreys 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 Humphreys County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Humphreys County.
What crops or plants grow well in Humphreys County's soil?
Based on Humphreys County's Silty Clay 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 Humphreys County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Humphreys County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Humphreys 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.