Sunflower County Soil Data
Sunflower County, Mississippi
Avg pH
5.6
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Sunflower County, Mississippi
Delta Soils with Improved pH
Sunflower County maintains a pH of 5.61, which is noticeably higher than the state average of 5.30. While more alkaline than its neighbors, it remains more acidic than the national median of 6.5.
Dense Clay and Silt Balance
This soil is heavy on the fine particles, containing 31.3% clay and 47.5% silt against just 21.2% sand. This dense mix provides excellent nutrient retention but can be difficult to work when the soil is overly wet.
Average Water Capacity for Crops
Organic matter levels are lower at 1.39% compared to the 1.81% state average. However, the available water capacity of 0.175 in/in aligns almost perfectly with the Mississippi average, ensuring reliable moisture for crops.
Slow Drainage in Heavy Soil
The high clay and silt concentration suggests slower drainage and higher water retention compared to sandier counties. Farmers must plan for potential runoff during the heavy rains common in the Mississippi Delta region.
Cotton and Soybean Powerhouse
In hardiness zone 8b, the county's moisture-retentive soil is a dream for cotton and soybeans. Gardeners should consider raised beds to help manage the heavy clay texture during the wet spring 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: Clay Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Sunflower County have?
Sunflower County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 47% silt, and 31% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Sunflower County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Sunflower County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Sunflower County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Sunflower County.
What crops or plants grow well in Sunflower County's soil?
Based on Sunflower County's Clay Loam texture, pH of 5.6, 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 Sunflower County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Sunflower County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Sunflower 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.