Union County Soil Data
Union County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Union County, Mississippi
Acidic Silty Soils in Union County
Union County features an average soil pH of 5.26, which is nearly identical to the state average but significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While detailed taxonomic data is unavailable, the low pH level defines the chemical landscape for local growers.
A Balanced Silt-Heavy Mix
The soil contains a substantial 54.5% silt and 28.7% sand, creating a texture that holds moisture effectively. With only 16.8% clay, this composition provides decent workability but requires careful management to avoid surface crusting after rains.
Strong Water Storage, Low Organic Matter
At 1.62%, organic matter levels sit below the Mississippi average of 1.81% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity of 0.183 in/in exceeds the state average, meaning these soils are excellent at keeping moisture accessible to roots during dry spells.
Managing Water Movement
Specific drainage classifications are not currently mapped for this county, but the high silt content generally suggests moderate permeability. Farmers should monitor fields for slow runoff, as the silt-dominant profile can become saturated quickly during heavy Mississippi thunderstorms.
Thriving in Zone 8a
The local hardiness zone 8a paired with acidic soil makes Union County ideal for blueberries, camellias, and azaleas. Adding lime can help neutralize the soil for vegetable staples like tomatoes and peppers, so grab a soil test and start 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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Union County have?
Union County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 29% sand, 55% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Union County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Union County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Union County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Union County.
What crops or plants grow well in Union County's soil?
Based on Union County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Union County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Union County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Union County
Soil Verdict
Union 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
Union County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Union 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.