Lauderdale County Soil Data
Lauderdale County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.0
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lauderdale County, Mississippi
Very acidic and sandy soils
Lauderdale County's soil reflects its very acidic nature, with a pH of 4.95. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and trails the Mississippi average of 5.30.
Dominance of sand particles
The composition is heavily skewed toward sand at 64.0%, with only 11.2% clay. This makes for very porous soil that drains rapidly but may struggle to hold onto fertilizers without frequent applications.
Limited water and nutrients
Organic matter stands at 1.42%, falling below the state average of 1.81%. An available water capacity of 0.147 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark, signaling a frequent need for supplemental irrigation.
Excellent drainage for building
The high sand percentage implies a fast-draining landscape across the county. This is often an advantage for construction and foundations, though it requires careful organic amendments for successful farming.
Vibrant southern harvests
In Zone 8b, the warm climate and sandy soil are excellent for southern peas and watermelon. With some soil conditioning, local gardeners can produce impressive yields throughout the long summer.
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 5.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lauderdale County have?
Lauderdale County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 64% sand, 23% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lauderdale County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lauderdale County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Lauderdale County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lauderdale County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lauderdale County's soil?
Based on Lauderdale County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.0, 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 Lauderdale County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lauderdale County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lauderdale County
Soil Verdict
Lauderdale 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
Lauderdale County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lauderdale 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.