Tippah County Soil Data
Tippah County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Tippah County, Mississippi
Acidic Profile in North Mississippi
Tippah County's soil profile is acidic with a pH of 5.15, falling below the state average of 5.30. This reflects the region's typical chemistry, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5.
Silty Mix with Sand Support
Silt is the dominant player here at 53.6%, balanced by 31.8% sand and 14.6% clay. This mix provides a good balance between drainage and moisture retention for various residential and agricultural land uses.
Solid Water Retention Capacity
The county reports an available water capacity of 0.189 in/in, beating the state average of 0.174. However, organic matter remains low at 1.39%, trailing the national average of 2.0% by a significant margin.
Effective Rain Catchment
The silty texture suggests the soil captures and holds rainfall effectively for local crops. Without specific hydrologic data, the 53.6% silt content remains the best indicator of moderate permeability for the area.
Cooler Winters in Zone 7b
Being in zone 7b, Tippah County experiences slightly cooler winters than southern Mississippi, perfect for cool-season greens. Gardeners should supplement the soil with organic compost to boost the low 1.39% organic matter level.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Tippah County have?
Tippah County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 54% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Tippah County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Tippah 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 Tippah County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Tippah County.
What crops or plants grow well in Tippah County's soil?
Based on Tippah County's Silt 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 Tippah County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Tippah County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Tippah County
Soil Verdict
Tippah County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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
Tippah County is somewhat cooler than the Mississippi statewide average. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Tippah 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.