Winston County Soil Data
Winston County, Mississippi
Avg pH
4.9
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Winston County, Mississippi
Strongly Acidic Soils of Winston County
Winston County has a very low average soil pH of 4.94, making it one of the most acidic regions in the state. This is significantly lower than the Mississippi average of 5.30 and the national median of 6.5, presenting a challenge for most common crops.
A Sandy and Silty Blend
The soil contains 43.3% sand and 38.7% silt, resulting in a loamy texture that is relatively easy to till. However, the low 15.8% clay content means the soil may struggle to hold onto nutrients without regular organic amendments.
Lower Organic Matter and Average Water
At 1.58% organic matter, Winston County sits below both the state and national averages. The available water capacity is a modest 0.169 in/in, indicating that the soil has a limited ability to store water during the hot summer months.
Managing Water in Sandy Loam
Detailed drainage and hydrologic data are unavailable, but the high sand content suggests moderate to rapid water movement. This minimizes waterlogging risks but requires gardeners to be proactive with mulching to retain surface moisture.
Pines and Blueberries in Zone 8a
The intense acidity in Winston County's zone 8a makes it a natural home for southern pines and acid-loving berries. Homeowners should focus on blueberries and azaleas, or use lime to raise the pH if they wish to grow traditional garden vegetables.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Winston County have?
Winston County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 43% sand, 39% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Winston County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Winston County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Winston County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Winston County.
What crops or plants grow well in Winston County's soil?
Based on Winston County's Loam texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Winston County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Winston County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Winston 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.