Tunica County Soil Data
Tunica County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.8
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Tunica County, Mississippi
Balanced pH in Tunica County
Tunica County features a pH of 5.78, making it the least acidic soil in this set and much closer to the national median of 6.5. It comfortably exceeds the Mississippi state average of 5.30.
High Clay Nutrient Storage
The soil contains a balanced 35.7% silt and 28.2% clay, with 28.3% sand. This high clay content provides excellent structure and nutrient-holding capacity for large-scale agricultural operations.
Rich Organic Matter Content
The county excels in organic matter at 2.07%, beating both the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 1.81%. Paradoxically, available water capacity is lower at 0.147 in/in compared to the state average.
Slow Drainage, High Fertility
A clay content of 28.2% often slows drainage, meaning the soil remains damp for longer periods after a storm. This retention is a boon for long-term fertility but can delay planting during wet Mississippi springs.
Fertile Delta Planting
Situated in zone 8a, Tunica's rich 2.07% organic matter makes it some of the most fertile ground in the state. It is a premier location for growing hearty staples like corn, wheat, and sunflowers.
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
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Tunica County have?
Tunica County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 28% sand, 36% silt, and 28% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Tunica County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Tunica County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Tunica County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Tunica County.
What crops or plants grow well in Tunica County's soil?
Based on Tunica County's Clay Loam texture, pH of 5.8, 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 Tunica County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Tunica County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Tunica County
Soil Verdict
Tunica County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°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
Tunica County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Tunica 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.