Jackson County Soil Data
Jackson County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.6
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
2.0%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Jackson County, Tennessee
Elevated soil quality in Jackson
Jackson County earns a soil score of 43.0, outperforming the state average of 38.5. The pH of 5.56 is higher than the Tennessee average of 5.35, though it remains more acidic than the national 6.5 median.
High silt for nutrient retention
The soil is comprised of 56.7% silt, 22.6% sand, and 20.8% clay. This high silt content provides a fertile foundation that is generally easy to work and excellent at holding onto essential plant nutrients.
Reliable water capacity for crops
The organic matter level is 1.95%, nearly matching the national average of 2.0%. With an available water capacity of 0.174 in/in, Jackson County soils hold more moisture for plants than the average Tennessee plot.
Predicting water movement
Detailed drainage class data is not currently recorded for this county's dominant soil units. However, the clay and silt percentages suggest a soil that stays moist without the extreme runoff risks of pure sand.
Diverse planting in Zone 7a
Jackson County's 7a hardiness zone is ideal for cool-season greens and summer staples like squash. The relatively high soil score means your garden has a great head start for a successful harvest.
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 Jackson County have?
Jackson County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 23% sand, 57% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Jackson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Jackson 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 Jackson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Jackson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Jackson County's soil?
Based on Jackson 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 Jackson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Jackson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Jackson County
Soil Verdict
Jackson County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 0°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. Winter protection (mulch, burlap wraps) helps push the zone boundary for desired species. 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. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Jackson County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Jackson 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.