Bradley County Soil Data
Bradley County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Variable
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bradley County, Tennessee
Bradley’s Strong Acidic Foundation
Bradley County soil shows an average pH of 5.17, which is more acidic than the Tennessee average of 5.35. This level sits well below the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime for traditional vegetable gardening.
A Balanced Mix of Soil Particles
The soil contains 26.8% sand, 47.2% silt, and 22.0% clay, a combination often referred to as variable in texture. This mixture provides a middle-ground for drainage and nutrient storage.
Moderate Fertility and Water Access
Organic matter levels at 1.96% are slightly below the state average of 2.44%. Additionally, the water storage capacity of 0.157 in/in is lower than the Tennessee benchmark of 0.171 in/in, requiring more frequent watering.
Local Hydrology and Drainage Variability
Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups for the dominant soil units remain unclassified in recent surveys. Growers typically find that Bradley’s varied topography creates pockets of both quick-draining and heavy-holding land.
Growing Options in Zone 7b
With a soil score of 30.1, Bradley County is well-suited for Zone 7b staples like peppers and ornamental shrubs. Adding compost can help bridge the gap in organic matter to create a more resilient garden.
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: Variable
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Bradley County have?
Bradley County's soil is classified as Variable. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 27% sand, 47% silt, and 22% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Bradley County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bradley 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 Bradley County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bradley County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bradley County's soil?
Based on Bradley County's Variable texture, pH of 5.2, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas.
What USDA soil order is found in Bradley County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bradley County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Bradley County
Soil Verdict
Bradley 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
Bradley County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bradley 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.