Franklin County Soil Data
Franklin County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Silty clay
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Franklin County, Tennessee
Highly Acidic Ultisols Shape the Land
Franklin County's soil belongs to the Ultisols order, characterized by its silty clay texture and high acidity. The average pH of 5.35 matches the Tennessee state average but remains significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. Gardeners likely need lime treatments to balance the soil for most standard crops.
Balanced Mix with a Heavy Clay Touch
The soil contains 46.1% silt and 23.9% clay, creating a heavy profile that requires careful handling. With 30.0% sand, the mix offers some structural variety, though the clay content can lead to compaction if worked while wet. This composition provides decent nutrient retention but requires effort to maintain workability.
Boosting Organic Matter for Better Yields
At 1.65%, the organic matter content falls below both the state average of 2.44% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.161 in/in, which is slightly lower than the state benchmark of 0.171. Adding compost or cover crops will help improve these levels and increase your garden's drought resistance.
Well-Drained Fields and Hydrologic Group B
The county features well-drained soils and falls into hydrologic group B, which indicates a moderate rate of water transmission. This makes the land suitable for many farming and building applications, as it handles typical rainfall without long-term saturation. These conditions are ideal for deep-rooted crops that dislike 'wet feet.'
Vibrant Growing in Hardiness Zone 7b
Franklin County's position in USDA Zone 7b provides a long growing season for tomatoes, peppers, and beans. The well-drained soil and temperate climate support diverse agriculture from orchards to row crops. Take advantage of this reliable drainage and start your spring planting once the soil warms up.
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: Silty clay
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Franklin County have?
Franklin County's soil is classified as Silty clay. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 46% silt, and 24% clay. Clay soils retain water and nutrients but can have drainage challenges.
Is Franklin County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Franklin County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Franklin County?
Franklin 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 Franklin County's soil?
Based on Franklin County's Silty clay texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Franklin County?
Franklin 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: Franklin County
Soil Verdict
Franklin 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
Franklin County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Franklin 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.