Pontotoc County Soil Data
Pontotoc County, Mississippi
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Pontotoc County, Mississippi
Typical Mississippi Acidity Levels
Pontotoc County holds an average pH of 5.30, matching the state average exactly but remaining much more acidic than the 6.5 national median. The county earns a soil score of 42.4, which outperforms the state average of 35.7. This higher score indicates a baseline of quality that serves local agriculture well.
Silt-Heavy Soils with High Workability
Silt dominates the local landscape at 57.8%, while sand makes up 24.3% and clay accounts for 17.9%. This silty profile creates a smooth, flour-like texture that is easy to till and work by hand. The relatively low clay content prevents the soil from becoming overly sticky or difficult to manage after rain.
Strong Water Retention Potential
The county boasts an available water capacity of 0.194 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.174 in/in. While organic matter sits at 1.76%, just below the state’s 1.81% average, the high water capacity provides a safety net during dry spells. This combination makes the soil efficient at holding onto nutrients and moisture for crop roots.
Managing Silt and Drainage
While specific drainage class data is unavailable, the 57.8% silt content suggests a soil that holds moisture longer than sandier neighbors. This can lead to slower drainage after heavy storms, which requires attention to bed preparation. Farmers should focus on maintaining soil structure to prevent the surface from crusting.
Diverse Options in Zone 8a
The mild winters of zone 8a paired with silty, water-retentive soil make this a prime location for traditional southern crops like corn and soybeans. The soil's ability to hold moisture also supports thriving vegetable patches filled with tomatoes and squash. Start your planting early to maximize the productivity of these silt-rich fields.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Pontotoc County have?
Pontotoc County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 58% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Pontotoc County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Pontotoc County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Pontotoc County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Pontotoc County.
What crops or plants grow well in Pontotoc County's soil?
Based on Pontotoc County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Pontotoc County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Pontotoc County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Pontotoc 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.