Hickman County Soil Data
Hickman County, Tennessee
Avg pH
5.5
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Hickman County, Tennessee
Acidic forest heritage in Hickman
Hickman County’s soil features a pH of 5.48, which is slightly more alkaline than the Tennessee average of 5.35 but still well below the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic classification records are limited for this area, the acidic profile reflects typical Southeastern forest soil characteristics.
A silt-dominant soil profile
The soil mix consists of 57.4% silt, 20.6% clay, and 20.5% sand. This high silt content provides a smooth texture that holds moisture well, though it can become compacted if worked when wet.
Moderate water capacity, lower organic matter
Organic matter sits at 1.79%, trailing both the state average of 2.44% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.173 in/in slightly exceeds the state average, helping plants survive short dry spells.
Managing local water flow
Official drainage and hydrologic group classifications are currently unavailable for this county's primary soil units. Given the high silt percentage, farmers should monitor for surface crusting which can slow water infiltration during heavy Tennessee rains.
Growing in Hardiness Zone 7b
The 7b climate and silty soil support diverse crops like corn, soybeans, and hardy perennials. Adding lime will help raise the pH to better support a vibrant home vegetable garden.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Hickman County have?
Hickman County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 57% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Hickman County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Hickman County's soil has a low pH of 5.5, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Hickman County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Hickman County.
What crops or plants grow well in Hickman County's soil?
Based on Hickman County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Hickman County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Hickman County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Hickman 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.