Montgomery County Soil Data
Montgomery County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Montgomery County, Mississippi
Acidic and Silty Montgomery Soils
Montgomery’s soil sits at an acidic 5.21 pH, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This pH level trends slightly below the Mississippi state average of 5.30, though specific taxonomic data remains unspecified in current surveys.
A High-Silt Foundation
The ground is silt-heavy at 59.4%, balanced by 28.3% sand and 12.3% clay. This high silt content makes for easy workability, though the relatively low clay percentage reduces its natural nutrient-holding capacity.
Superior Water Retention Potential
Organic matter levels of 1.51% fall short of the state’s 1.81% average. However, the available water capacity of 0.195 in/in is superior to the state average, meaning these soils hold moisture well for plant roots.
Moderate Filtration with Limited Data
Local drainage and hydrologic groups are currently unclassified, requiring on-site testing for large projects. Generally, the silt-driven profile suggests moderate filtration compared to the sandier counties found further south.
Ready for a Heat-Tolerant Garden
In USDA zone 8a, gardeners can leverage the high water capacity to grow heat-tolerant vegetables like peppers and okra. With a bit of lime to correct the acidity, this soil provides a steady foundation for a productive backyard plot.
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 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Montgomery County have?
Montgomery County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 59% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Montgomery County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Montgomery County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Montgomery County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Montgomery County.
What crops or plants grow well in Montgomery County's soil?
Based on Montgomery County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Montgomery County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Montgomery County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Montgomery County
Soil Verdict
Montgomery 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
Montgomery County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Montgomery 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.