Haywood County Soil Data
Haywood County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.4
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Haywood County, Tennessee
Higher pH Soil in West Tennessee
Haywood County boasts a pH of 5.43, which is actually higher than the Tennessee state average of 5.35. This makes it slightly less acidic than its neighbors, providing a more hospitable environment for many crops.
Extremely Silty and Smooth Soils
An incredible 72.9% of the soil is silt, the highest in this group, with very little sand at 10.6%. This composition creates a silky texture that is highly fertile but prone to erosion if left uncovered.
Elite Water Capacity for Farming
The available water capacity is 0.203 in/in, significantly higher than the state average of 0.171. While organic matter is low at 1.43%, the high soil score of 44.5 reflects its superior growing potential.
Infiltration Class Needs Local Review
Detailed drainage and hydrologic group data are not provided for the dominant soil types. Given the high silt content, these soils likely hold water well but may drain slowly during heavy winter rains.
Ideal Conditions for Zone 7b Crops
The high soil score of 44.5 makes Haywood a premier location for diverse agriculture and robust home gardens. This silty ground is a powerhouse for growing regional staples like soybeans and corn.
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 5.4. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Haywood County have?
Haywood County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 73% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Haywood County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Haywood 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 Haywood County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Haywood County.
What crops or plants grow well in Haywood County's soil?
Based on Haywood County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.4, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Haywood County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Haywood County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Haywood County
Soil Verdict
Haywood 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
Haywood County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions. 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 Haywood 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.