Giles County Soil Data
Giles County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Giles County, Tennessee
A More Balanced Tennessee pH Profile
Giles County features a pH of 5.55, which is notably less acidic than the state average of 5.35. While it still falls below the national median of 6.5, this milder acidity makes it slightly more hospitable for a variety of plants. Taxonomic data for the county is limited, but the chemical profile is promising for local growers.
High Silt Content Offers Smooth Texture
The soil composition consists of 55.1% silt, 23.9% clay, and 20.3% sand. This balance leans toward a silty profile that holds nutrients well while maintaining a decent structural foundation. Such a mix usually provides good workability, though the clay content suggests a risk of compaction if handled during wet periods.
Opportunities to Build Soil Health
The organic matter content stands at 1.81%, which is lower than the Tennessee average of 2.44% and the national 2.0% benchmark. Available water capacity is also slightly below the state average at 0.160 in/in. Focused efforts on mulching and organic amendments can significantly boost these metrics for better gardening results.
Navigating Local Hydrology and Drainage
While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in this dataset, the county's soil score of 37.7 is near the state average. Most growers in the region should monitor their land for runoff and saturation during the wet season. Understanding your specific site's slope is essential for managing the high silt content effectively.
Planting Success in Hardiness Zone 7b
USDA Hardiness Zone 7b supports a diverse range of crops, including warm-weather favorites like okra and sweet potatoes. The moderate pH gives you a head start on many vegetables compared to more acidic neighboring counties. Dig in this season and capitalize on the county's relatively balanced soil chemistry.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.6. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Giles County have?
Giles County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 55% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Giles County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Giles County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Giles County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Giles County.
What crops or plants grow well in Giles County's soil?
Based on Giles County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.6, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Giles County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Giles County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Giles County
Soil Verdict
Giles 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
Giles County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Giles 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.