Hamilton County Soil Data
Hamilton County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.0
Texture
Loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Hamilton County, Tennessee
Acidic Ultisols Define the Local Landscape
Hamilton County sits on a foundation of loamy Ultisols with a notably acidic pH of 4.99. This level is significantly lower than the 6.5 national median and trails the Tennessee state average of 5.35.
A Balanced Mix of Loamy Solids
The soil composition features 48.4% silt and 29.7% sand, creating a versatile loam texture. A moderate 17.9% clay content provides enough structure to hold nutrients without making the ground difficult to work.
Lower Organic Matter Requires Amendment
Organic matter measures 1.75%, which falls below both the national average of 2.0% and the state average of 2.44%. Available water capacity is 0.156 in/in, suggesting plants may need more frequent watering during dry spells.
Reliable Drainage for Stable Development
Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, this soil allows for moderate water infiltration. These traits benefit local farmers and builders by reducing the risk of standing water and saturated foundations.
Gardening in the 8a Warmth
The warm 8a hardiness zone allows for a wide range of heat-tolerant vegetables and long-season crops. With a soil score of 24.3, adding lime and compost will transform this acidic loam into a productive garden.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hamilton County have?
Hamilton County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 48% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hamilton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hamilton 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 Hamilton County?
Hamilton 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 Hamilton County's soil?
Based on Hamilton County's 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 Hamilton County?
Hamilton 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: Hamilton County
Soil Verdict
Hamilton County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°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
Hamilton County is somewhat warmer than the Tennessee statewide average. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hamilton 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.