Claiborne County Soil Data
Claiborne County, Tennessee
Avg pH
5.0
Texture
Fine sandy loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Claiborne County, Tennessee
Weathered Ultisols of Claiborne
Claiborne County features Ultisols, which are highly weathered forest soils with a fine sandy loam texture. The average pH of 5.01 is quite acidic compared to the national median of 6.5, reflecting centuries of natural leaching.
Workable Fine Sandy Loams
A composition of 31.9% sand and 44.1% silt makes for a soil that is relatively easy to till and manage. With 20.0% clay, the soil has enough body to prevent nutrients from washing away too quickly.
Need for Enrichment
The organic matter content of 1.62% is below the Tennessee average of 2.44%, suggesting the soil could benefit from supplemental compost. The available water capacity of 0.152 in/in is also lower than the state average, meaning crops may need extra irrigation.
Excellent Site Drainage
The landscape is well drained and categorized under hydrologic group B, indicating a moderate rate of water infiltration. This makes the terrain suitable for a variety of building projects and reduces the risk of standing water in fields.
Diverse Growth in Zone 7a
Hardiness zone 7a allows for a diverse range of cool-weather crops and summer staples. Despite a lower soil score of 21.9, the good drainage provides a strong foundation for specialty orchards or vineyard development.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Fine sandy loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Claiborne County have?
Claiborne County's soil is classified as Fine sandy loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 44% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Claiborne County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Claiborne County's soil has a low pH of 5.0, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Claiborne County?
Claiborne County has a dominant drainage class of "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 Claiborne County's soil?
Based on Claiborne County's Fine sandy loam texture, pH of 5.0, and 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 Claiborne County?
Claiborne 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.
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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.