Smith County Soil Data
Smith County, Mississippi
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Smith County, Mississippi
Highly Acidic Soils in Smith County
Smith County soil is strongly acidic with a pH of 5.12, coming in well below the national median of 6.5 and trailing the state average of 5.30. While specific taxonomic data is currently unavailable, these acidic levels define the local land management profile.
Coarse Texture and Rapid Drainage
This soil consists of 54.4% sand, 30.8% silt, and 14.9% clay, creating a coarse-leaning mix. The high sand content suggests rapid drainage but might require more frequent watering during dry spells to maintain moisture.
Moderate Fertility and Water Storage
With organic matter at 1.72%, the county sits just below the state average of 1.81% and the national 2.0% benchmark. The available water capacity of 0.156 in/in indicates moderate storage potential for crop roots compared to the state average of 0.174.
Permeable Ground and Runoff Management
While formal drainage classes aren't recorded here, the 54.4% sand profile implies a tendency toward quick permeability. Farmers and builders should watch for moisture retention challenges and plan for supplemental irrigation in this specific mix.
Success in Zone 8b Gardening
Nestled in hardiness zone 8b, Smith County is perfect for heat-loving crops like watermelons and peppers. Residents should amend the soil with lime to balance the low pH before starting a vibrant spring garden.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Smith County have?
Smith County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 54% sand, 31% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Smith County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Smith 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 Smith County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Smith County.
What crops or plants grow well in Smith County's soil?
Based on Smith County's Sandy 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 Smith County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Smith County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Smith 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.