Bledsoe County Soil Data

Bledsoe County, Tennessee

Avg pH

5.1

Texture

Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

1.9%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

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

Loam
Sand: 36.0%
Silt: 45.1%
Clay: 18.9%
Loam

Soil pH

5.1pH
5.08365644518592
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Bledsoe County have?

Bledsoe County's soil is classified as 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?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Bledsoe County.

What crops or plants grow well in Bledsoe County's soil?

Based on Bledsoe County's Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Bledsoe County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Bledsoe County is not currently available in our dataset.

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.