Scott County Soil Data
Scott County, Mississippi
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Scott County, Mississippi
Typical Interior Mississippi Acidity
Scott County features a soil pH of 5.13, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.30 and much lower than the 6.5 national median. The county earns a soil score of 31.9, placing it slightly below the state average of 35.7. This acidity is typical for the forested and agricultural lands of central Mississippi.
Sandy-Silt Mix with Clay Support
The soil is a balanced blend of 40.9% sand and 42.1% silt, with 17.0% clay providing essential structure. This mixture offers good physical properties, as the sand aids drainage while the clay helps retain nutrients. It is a versatile texture that works well for both large-scale timber and smaller gardening projects.
Competitive Water Capacity
The soil's available water capacity of 0.177 in/in is slightly higher than the state average of 0.174 in/in. Organic matter content is 1.73%, trailing the state average of 1.81% by just a small margin. These numbers indicate a soil that is relatively resilient during the dry spells common in central Mississippi.
Hydrology and Soil Management
Data regarding specific drainage classes and taxonomic orders is limited for Scott County. The 40.9% sand content generally supports decent drainage, preventing most agricultural fields from becoming chronically waterlogged. Maintaining a consistent cover crop can help protect the silty portions of the soil from washing away.
Garden Readiness in Zone 8b
In hardiness zone 8b, Scott County growers enjoy a nearly year-round season for many hardy plants. The soil is well-suited for pine timber and, with pH adjustments, can produce excellent okra and watermelons. It is a great time to start a garden and take advantage of the county's solid water capacity.
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 Scott County have?
Scott County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 41% sand, 42% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Scott County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Scott County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Scott County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Scott County.
What crops or plants grow well in Scott County's soil?
Based on Scott County's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Scott County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Scott County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Scott 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.