Perry County Soil Data
Perry County, Mississippi
Avg pH
4.9
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
3.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Perry County, Mississippi
Extremely Acidic Coastal Soil
Perry County has an acidic profile with a 4.90 pH, trailing both the state average of 5.30 and the 6.5 national median. This low pH is characteristic of the sandy coastal plains of southern Mississippi.
Loose and Well-Aerated Sand
The soil is quite sandy at 58.5%, with a low 10.0% clay content. This makes for a loose, well-aerated soil structure that is easy to work but prone to drying out quickly compared to siltier neighbors.
Exceptional Organic Levels
The organic matter level is remarkably high at 2.97%, nearly 50% higher than the national average. However, the available water capacity of 0.144 in/in is the lowest in this group, falling well below the state average.
Drying Out Fast in the Sun
Official drainage classes are not listed, but the 58.5% sand content points toward very rapid drainage. This prevents most issues with root rot but necessitates frequent watering for vegetables and flowers.
Thriving Pine and Camellia Grounds
Hardiness zone 8b supports a vast array of plants, especially those that love acidic, well-drained ground like camellias and pine trees. Add plenty of mulch to your garden beds to help capture and hold onto water in this sandy soil.
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 Perry County have?
Perry County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 58% sand, 29% silt, and 10% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Perry County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Perry County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Perry County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Perry County.
What crops or plants grow well in Perry County's soil?
Based on Perry County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Perry County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Perry County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Perry 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.