Yalobusha County Soil Data
Yalobusha County, Mississippi
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Yalobusha County, Mississippi
Acidic Silty Soils Define Yalobusha
Yalobusha soil features an average pH of 5.30, matching the Mississippi state average exactly. This acidic profile sits significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, necessitating lime treatments for many traditional garden crops. While specific taxonomic orders are not recorded, the pH level dictates the local chemical landscape.
A Silt-Heavy Foundation for Farming
The county's soil composition is 63.2% silt, 24.2% sand, and 12.6% clay. This high silt percentage creates a fine-textured earth that is easier to work than heavy clay soils. The balanced mix provides a stable medium for root development while maintaining decent aeration.
Superior Water Storage Despite Low Organics
Organic matter in Yalobusha is 1.47%, falling below the state average of 1.81% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, its available water capacity of 0.195 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.174 in/in. This indicates the soil is exceptionally good at storing moisture during the hot Mississippi summers.
Managing Moisture in Silt Landscapes
While specific drainage class data is limited for this region, the high silt concentration typically indicates moderate natural drainage. Property owners should observe local runoff patterns, as silt-heavy soils can be prone to erosion if not managed with cover crops. Site-specific testing is recommended for any major building or irrigation projects.
Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8a
Yalobusha earns a soil score of 38.8, which is higher than the Mississippi average of 35.7. The combination of hardiness zone 8a and acidic soil makes this an ideal home for blueberries, camellias, and heat-tolerant greens. Start your garden today to take advantage of this above-average local soil quality.
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 Yalobusha County have?
Yalobusha County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 24% sand, 63% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Yalobusha County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Yalobusha 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 Yalobusha County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Yalobusha County.
What crops or plants grow well in Yalobusha County's soil?
Based on Yalobusha 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 Yalobusha County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Yalobusha County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Yalobusha County
Soil Verdict
Yalobusha 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
Yalobusha County closely matches the Mississippi average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Yalobusha 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.