Newton County Soil Data
Newton County, Mississippi
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Newton County, Mississippi
Acidic and Sandy Earth
Newton County soils are notably acidic at a 5.16 pH, which is lower than the 6.5 national median. This characteristic follows the state-wide trend of acidic earth, sitting just below Mississippi's 5.30 average.
A Gritty, Workable Mix
A gritty composition of 56.6% sand and 28.2% silt makes for a very workable but porous soil. The relatively low 15.2% clay content means the soil feels light in the hand but requires careful nutrient management.
Quick-Drying Fertility Profile
With 1.69% organic matter, Newton falls slightly behind the state average of 1.81%. The available water capacity of 0.159 in/in also trails the state average, suggesting the ground dries out faster than in surrounding counties.
Rapid Drainage for Wet Seasons
Formal hydrologic groups are not listed, yet the high sand percentage generally translates to rapid drainage. This prevents root rot in wet years but demands consistent irrigation for thirsty garden crops.
Ideal for Root Crops
Located in hardiness zone 8b, this area is ideal for growing sweet potatoes and watermelons that favor sandy textures. Start your garden with organic mulch to help keep the soil moist during the peak of summer heat.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Newton County have?
Newton County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 57% sand, 28% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Newton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Newton 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 Newton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Newton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Newton County's soil?
Based on Newton County's Sandy 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 Newton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Newton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Newton 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.