Davidson County Soil Data
Davidson County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Davidson County, Tennessee
Classic Tennessee silt loam in Nashville
Davidson County soils are primarily Ultisols with a silt loam texture. The average pH of 5.37 is almost identical to the state average but remains more acidic than the 6.5 national median.
Silt-heavy soil with moderate clay
The soil contains 52.0% silt and 21.1% clay, which helps it retain essential nutrients for plant growth. With 19.8% sand, the mix offers a stable structure suitable for both urban landscaping and rural farming.
Solid nutrient retention for urban growth
The organic matter content is 1.91%, falling short of the 2.44% state average. Available water capacity is 0.161 in/in, which is slightly lower than the state benchmark but sufficient for established lawns and trees.
Moderate drainage for building and planting
The soil is moderately well drained and classified under hydrologic group C. This profile provides a stable base for the county's infrastructure while supporting a wide variety of plant life.
Diverse planting options in zone 7b
Nashville's climate supports everything from ornamental maples to summer tomatoes. Start a backyard garden today to take advantage of this reliable silt loam foundation.
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: Silt loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Davidson County have?
Davidson County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 52% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Davidson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Davidson County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Davidson County?
Davidson 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 Davidson County's soil?
Based on Davidson County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.4, 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 Davidson County?
Davidson 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: Davidson County
Soil Verdict
Davidson 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
Davidson 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 Davidson 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.