Henderson County Soil Data
Henderson County, Tennessee
Avg pH
5.2
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
1.1%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Henderson County, Tennessee
Silty Clay Loams and Alfisols
Henderson County is characterized by Alfisols with a dominant texture of silty clay loam. The soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.16, falling below the state average of 5.35.
A Dense, Clay-Rich Texture
The soil contains 49.2% silt and 33.8% sand, but its silty clay loam designation highlights the influence of its 17.1% clay. This mix provides strong nutrient retention but can be heavy and slow to dry.
Good Water Storage, Low Organic Matter
Available water capacity is 0.182 in/in, which beats the state average of 0.171. However, organic matter is low at 1.14%, so heavy feeding plants will need supplemental nitrogen and compost.
Slow Drainage and High Runoff Potential
The soil is moderately well-drained but belongs to hydrologic group D, the slowest category for water infiltration. This means the ground saturates quickly, making drainage management essential for gardening.
Zone 7b: A Long Summer Season
Henderson County's 7b zone offers a lengthy window for warm-weather crops like squash and peppers. Despite a lower soil score of 26.4, the high water capacity ensures your plants stay hydrated through the heat.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty clay loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Henderson County have?
Henderson County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 34% sand, 49% silt, and 17% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Henderson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Henderson County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Henderson County?
Henderson 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 Henderson County's soil?
Based on Henderson County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Henderson County?
Henderson County's dominant soil order is Alfisols. Alfisols are moderate to high base-status soils with a clay-enriched subsoil. They support productive forests and cropland across temperate regions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Henderson 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.