Prentiss County Soil Data
Prentiss County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Prentiss County, Mississippi
Acidic Profiles Near the State Average
Prentiss County soil shows a pH of 5.29, sitting almost perfectly on the state average of 5.30 and well below the national median of 6.5. The county’s overall soil score of 33.0 is slightly below the state average of 35.7. This acidity level is common across the region and usually requires lime applications for vegetable gardening.
Balanced Texture for Reliable Farming
The soil contains 39.5% sand and 43.5% silt, creating a versatile medium for root growth. Clay makes up 17.0% of the mix, providing enough body to hold nutrients without making the soil too heavy to work. This balanced composition offers a good compromise between drainage speed and nutrient retention.
Consistent Water Storage for Crops
Available water capacity in Prentiss County is 0.173 in/in, which aligns closely with the Mississippi average of 0.174 in/in. Organic matter levels are 1.66%, trailing the state average of 1.81% and the national average of 2.0%. Increasing organic content through mulching will help boost these fertility numbers over time.
Reliable Subsurface Hydrology
Specific drainage and taxonomic classifications are not currently available for this county. However, the mix of 39.5% sand and 43.5% silt generally ensures that water moves through the profile at a moderate rate. This reduces the risk of root rot while maintaining enough moisture to sustain plants between rains.
Planning a Garden in Zone 8a
Prentiss County falls into hardiness zone 8a, which is suitable for a wide variety of heat-tolerant vegetables and fruits. The balanced soil texture supports everything from orchard fruits to leafy greens if the pH is managed. With a little soil amendment, your backyard can become a highly productive garden space.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Prentiss County have?
Prentiss County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 44% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Prentiss County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Prentiss 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 Prentiss County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Prentiss County.
What crops or plants grow well in Prentiss County's soil?
Based on Prentiss County's 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 Prentiss County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Prentiss County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Prentiss County
Soil Verdict
Prentiss 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
Prentiss County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Prentiss 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.