Bledsoe County Soil Data
Bledsoe County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Bledsoe County, Tennessee
The Acidic Character of Bledsoe
Bledsoe County features a notably acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.08. This is significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median and also falls below the state average of 5.35.
A Sandy Lean with Silt Balance
This soil contains 36.0% sand, which is higher than many neighbors, paired with 45.1% silt. The 18.9% clay content is relatively low, which can lead to faster drying times compared to heavier clay soils.
Below Average Moisture Retention
Bledsoe’s available water capacity of 0.156 in/in is lower than the state benchmark of 0.171 in/in. With organic matter at 1.93%, the soil requires careful nutrient management to reach its full growing potential.
Managing the Mountain Terrain
Detailed drainage and hydrologic data for the dominant soil units are currently limited. Farmers on the Cumberland Plateau typically adapt to these conditions using raised beds or specialized irrigation.
Zone 7b: Native Plants Prevail
Acid-loving plants like azaleas and blueberries thrive in Bledsoe’s 7b hardiness zone. While the soil score is 27.6, targeted amendments can transform these acidic plots into thriving garden spaces.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
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 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bledsoe County have?
Bledsoe County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 36% sand, 45% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bledsoe County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bledsoe County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Bledsoe County?
Bledsoe County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Bledsoe County's soil?
Based on Bledsoe County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.1, and Moderately well drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Bledsoe County?
Bledsoe County's dominant soil order is Ultisols. Ultisols are highly weathered, clay-rich soils common in humid regions. They are low in natural fertility and often require lime and fertilizer for agriculture.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Bledsoe County
Soil Verdict
Bledsoe County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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
Bledsoe County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bledsoe County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in Tennessee
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.