Itawamba County Soil Data
Itawamba County, Mississippi
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Itawamba County, Mississippi
Highly Acidic Soils in Itawamba
Itawamba County soil is quite acidic, with an average pH of 5.12. This is lower than the Mississippi average of 5.30 and well below the national median of 6.5. This high acidity is a primary factor in the county's relatively low overall soil score of 24.5.
Sandy Foundations and Light Texture
The soil is notably sandy at 45.4%, with 37.4% silt and 17.2% clay. This high sand content ensures good aeration and easy workability, but it can struggle to hold onto nutrients. It is a much lighter soil than the clay-heavy regions of the Delta.
Lower Retention and Organic Matter
The soil’s available water capacity is 0.163 in/in, falling below the state average of 0.174. Organic matter content is also lower than average at 1.50%. This means the soil may require more frequent irrigation and organic amendments to reach its full growing potential.
Naturally Well-Draining Sandy Terrains
Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the 45.4% sand content typically indicates rapid drainage. This is beneficial for preventing root rot but can lead to quick drying during hot Mississippi summers. Developers will likely find this soil easier for drainage planning than clay-heavy counties.
Acid-Loving Plants for Zone 8a
Itawamba County sits in hardiness zone 8a, a region perfect for blackberries and blueberries that thrive in acidic conditions. With its sandy texture, this soil is also great for root vegetables like carrots if given enough water. Now is the perfect time to prep your garden beds for spring.
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 Itawamba County have?
Itawamba County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 45% sand, 37% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Itawamba County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Itawamba 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 Itawamba County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Itawamba County.
What crops or plants grow well in Itawamba County's soil?
Based on Itawamba County's 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 Itawamba County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Itawamba County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Itawamba 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.