Wayne County Soil Data
Wayne County, Mississippi
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Fine sand
Drainage
Somewhat excessively drained
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
A
Data Story
About Soil in Wayne County, Mississippi
Entisols of the Piney Woods
Wayne County is dominated by Entisols, soils that show little to no profile development, with an acidic pH of 5.19. This matches the general trend of Mississippi’s acidic coastal plain, sitting well below the national 6.5 median.
Dominantly Sandy and Fast-Draining
The soil is 59.0% sand, categorized as a fine sand texture with only 13.8% clay. This creates a very loose, workable ground that allows roots to penetrate easily but offers very little natural resistance to water flow.
Surprising Organic Matter in Sandy Earth
Wayne County holds a respectable 1.84% organic matter, which is higher than the state average. However, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.139 in/in, meaning plants may struggle during hot, dry periods without supplemental water.
Somewhat Excessively Drained Landscape
Classified as Hydrologic Group A, these soils drain rapidly, which is ideal for construction but challenging for moisture-loving crops. The 'somewhat excessively drained' status means that nutrients can leach away quickly during heavy rains.
Thriving Pine and Native Crops
In zone 8b, the sandy Entisols are perfect for timber production and native plants like longleaf pine. Home gardeners should look toward drought-tolerant herbs and native wildflowers that can handle the fast-draining, sandy conditions.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group A — Low Runoff
Sandy, well-drained soils with high infiltration rates. Water moves quickly through the soil profile. Lowest runoff potential when thoroughly wetted.
Drainage Class
Somewhat excessively drained
Water is removed rapidly. Soils may be droughty and have limited water-holding capacity.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Fine sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Wayne County have?
Wayne County's soil is classified as Fine sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 59% sand, 27% silt, and 14% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Wayne County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wayne County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Wayne County?
Wayne County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat excessively drained." Moderate drainage allows adequate moisture retention while still permitting excess water to drain over time.
What crops or plants grow well in Wayne County's soil?
Based on Wayne County's Fine sand texture, pH of 5.2, and Somewhat excessively drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in Wayne County?
Wayne County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wayne 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.