Washington County Soil Data
Washington County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.1
Texture
Clay Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Washington County, Mississippi
The Delta's Neutral, Productive Profile
Washington County stands out with a soil pH of 6.13, approaching the national median of 6.5 and far exceeding the state average of 5.30. This relatively neutral pH is a hallmark of the fertile Mississippi Delta, supporting diverse and intensive crop production.
Heavy Clay and Silt Balance
The soil consists of 31.6% clay and 43.1% silt, a combination that creates a heavy, nutrient-rich profile. This mix provides excellent structural support for plants but can be difficult to work when it is either too wet or too dry.
High Performance and Steady Moisture
The available water capacity hits the state average exactly at 0.174 in/in, ensuring reliable moisture for crops. While organic matter is 1.49%, the high clay content naturally helps the soil retain the nutrients that modern agriculture requires.
Managing Delta Drainage
With over 31% clay, these soils likely exhibit slow drainage, a common challenge in the flat Delta landscape. Farmers here rely on precision leveling and drainage ditches to manage water movement across these heavy-textured fields.
Delta Gold in Zone 8b
The combination of neutral pH and zone 8b warmth makes this a gardener's paradise for cotton, soybeans, and corn. For home growers, this is the perfect spot for robust summer vegetables like squash, peppers, and beans.
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
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Washington County have?
Washington County's soil is classified as Clay Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 25% sand, 43% silt, and 32% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Washington County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Washington County's soil has a pH of 6.1, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Washington County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Washington County.
What crops or plants grow well in Washington County's soil?
Based on Washington County's Clay Loam texture, pH of 6.1, 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 Washington County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Washington County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Washington County
Soil Verdict
Washington County is in USDA hardiness zone 8b, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 15°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
Washington County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Washington 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.