Lowndes County Soil Data
Lowndes County, Mississippi
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lowndes County, Mississippi
Lowndes County's Typical Mississippi pH
Lowndes County features an average soil pH of 5.41, making it slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.30. It remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which is common for the region. The county maintains a soil score of 34.6, very close to the state average of 35.7.
Balanced Texture for Reliable Workability
The soil is comprised of 40.7% silt and 35.4% sand, with clay making up the remaining 20.4%. This balance creates a versatile medium that avoids the extremes of heavy clay or overly loose sand. It offers enough structure for building while remaining soft enough for traditional farming.
Solid Organic Matter and Moisture
Organic matter in Lowndes stands at 1.80%, almost exactly matching the state average of 1.81%. The available water capacity is 0.161 in/in, slightly below the Mississippi norm of 0.174 in/in. These numbers suggest a stable, if not exceptional, foundation for agricultural pursuits.
Managing Moderate Soil Moisture
While specific drainage classes are not officially provided, the 20.4% clay content provides moderate moisture retention. The combination of sand and silt ensures that water doesn't pool excessively, facilitating steady drainage. For construction or gardening, this suggests manageable water behavior during typical rainfall.
Productive Gardening in Zone 8b
Lowndes County thrives in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, where mild winters allow for nearly year-round gardening. The soil and climate are perfect for pecans and southern peas, which tolerate the moderate acidity. With a soil score near the state average, this is a great place to start your backyard farm.
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 Lowndes County have?
Lowndes County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 35% sand, 41% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lowndes County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lowndes 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 Lowndes County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lowndes County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lowndes County's soil?
Based on Lowndes County's 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 Lowndes County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lowndes County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lowndes 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.