Quitman County Soil Data
Quitman County, Mississippi
Avg pH
5.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Quitman County, Mississippi
Superior Soil Scores in the Delta
Quitman County features a soil pH of 5.72, which is significantly higher and less acidic than the Mississippi average of 5.30. Its overall soil score of 41.5 beats the state average of 35.7, reflecting the high-quality land found in the Delta. While it remains more acidic than the 6.5 national median, it is one of the more versatile soils in the state.
Heavier Clay Content for Nutrient Retention
The soil is comprised of 26.6% clay, 48.3% silt, and 25.1% sand. This higher clay percentage, compared to neighboring hill counties, means the soil is excellent at holding onto essential plant nutrients. However, the heavy texture requires more power for tilling and can be slow to dry after spring rains.
Above-Average Water Capacity
The soil boasts an available water capacity of 0.177 in/in, slightly exceeding the state average of 0.174 in/in. Organic matter content sits at 1.56%, which is lower than the Mississippi average of 1.81%. Despite the lower organic levels, the clay and silt combination provides a naturally fertile base for commercial agriculture.
Delta Hydrology and Drainage
While official drainage classes are not provided for this area, the 26.6% clay content suggests slower drainage typical of Delta bottomlands. This soil stores water effectively but can be prone to ponding during intense storms. Proper field leveling and drainage ditches are common practices to manage these heavy soils.
Delta Growth in Zone 8a
The fertile, clay-rich soils of Quitman County are legendary for cotton, soybeans, and rice. For home gardeners in zone 8a, this soil is perfect for heavy-feeding plants like corn and large-variety tomatoes. Embrace the richness of the Delta and start your own garden plot this season.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Quitman County have?
Quitman County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 48% silt, and 27% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Quitman County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Quitman County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Quitman County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Quitman County.
What crops or plants grow well in Quitman County's soil?
Based on Quitman County's Loam texture, pH of 5.7, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Quitman County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Quitman County is not currently available in our dataset.
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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.