Cumberland County Soil Data
Cumberland County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.8
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Cumberland County, Tennessee
Highly acidic Ultisols on the Plateau
Cumberland County's loamy soil belongs to the Ultisols order and registers a very acidic pH of 4.80. This is considerably lower than the state average of 5.35 and the national median of 6.5.
A balanced loamy mix
The soil composition is nearly balanced with 37.7% sand and 38.3% silt, rounded out by 18.0% clay. This loamy texture provides a versatile medium for root growth and manageable workability for gardeners.
Moderate fertility and water capacity
Organic matter stands at 1.84%, which is below the state average of 2.44%. The available water capacity of 0.157 in/in also falls slightly behind the state average of 0.171, suggesting a need for consistent irrigation.
Reliable moderate drainage class
Cumberland's soil is moderately well drained and belongs to hydrologic group C. It manages typical rainfall well, though it can become saturated during heavy Tennessee storms.
Ready for berries in zone 7a
The cooler plateau climate and loamy soil are perfect for blueberries and raspberries. To see the best results in your garden, consider adding lime to neutralize the high acidity.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Cumberland County have?
Cumberland County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 38% sand, 38% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Cumberland County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Cumberland County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Cumberland County?
Cumberland 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 Cumberland County's soil?
Based on Cumberland County's Loam texture, pH of 4.8, 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 Cumberland County?
Cumberland 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: Cumberland County
Soil Verdict
Cumberland County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Cumberland County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Cumberland 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.