Simpson County Soil Data
Simpson County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Simpson County, Mississippi
Acidic Profiles in Central Mississippi
Simpson County has an average soil pH of 5.21, falling slightly below the Mississippi state average of 5.30. This makes it more acidic than the 6.5 national median, typical for the pine-heavy landscapes of the region. The overall soil score is 31.5, trailing the state average of 35.7.
Light and Workable Soil Textures
The soil is a light mix of 43.5% sand and 43.6% silt, with only 12.9% clay. This texture is very easy to dig and work, making it ideal for home gardening and landscaping. Because of the low clay content, the soil is less likely to become sticky or heavy when wet.
Moderate Fertility and Water Capacity
Simpson County offers an available water capacity of 0.176 in/in, which is slightly better than the 0.174 in/in state average. Organic matter levels are 1.60%, which is below the state average of 1.81%. Focused efforts on increasing organic content will help the soil better support high-demand crops like tomatoes.
Efficient Drainage for Healthy Roots
While specific hydrologic group data is not available, the high sand content of 43.5% indicates naturally good drainage. This prevents water from pooling around root systems, which is vital during the humid Mississippi summer. However, the light texture means nutrients can leach away faster, requiring more frequent, light fertilization.
Gardening in the 8b Hardiness Zone
Simpson County's zone 8b climate allows for a massive range of plants from citrus in containers to summer staples like squash and cucumbers. The sandy-silt soil is a blank canvas that responds quickly to organic fertilizers and lime. Take advantage of this workable soil and start your spring planting today.
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 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Simpson County have?
Simpson County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 44% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Simpson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Simpson County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Simpson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Simpson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Simpson County's soil?
Based on Simpson County's Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Simpson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Simpson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Simpson County
Soil Verdict
Simpson County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 15°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
Simpson County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Simpson 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.