Lake County Soil Data
Lake County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.6
Texture
Silty clay
Drainage
Somewhat poorly drained
Organic Matter
2.2%
Hydrologic Group
C/D
Data Story
About Soil in Lake County, Tennessee
Elite Mollisols of the Mississippi
Lake County boasts a remarkable soil score of 64.5, by far the highest in this group. Its pH of 6.57 is nearly neutral, matching the national median and far exceeding the Tennessee state average of 5.35.
Rich silty clay deposits
The soil is a heavy silty clay, containing 50.6% silt and 27.9% clay. This high clay content allows the soil to hold onto massive amounts of nutrients, making it some of the most productive land in the state.
Superior water and organic levels
The soil features an impressive available water capacity of 0.184 in/in, well above the state average. While the 2.20% organic matter is slightly below the state average, it is higher than the national average and supports intense crop growth.
Managing heavy, wet soils
These soils are somewhat poorly drained and fall into the C/D hydrologic group. Because they are so heavy and hold so much water, they can be prone to saturation and may require careful management to prevent compaction.
Agricultural powerhouse in Zone 7b
This is prime land for cotton, soybeans, and high-yield vegetable farming. The naturally neutral pH means most garden crops will thrive here with very little adjustment—just start planting!
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Somewhat poorly drained
Water is removed slowly enough that the soil is wet at shallow depths for significant periods. Mottling present.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty clay
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Clay Soil Detected
Clay soils can struggle with drainage. These products improve soil structure and water flow.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lake County have?
Lake County's soil is classified as Silty clay. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 51% silt, and 28% clay. Clay soils retain water and nutrients but can have drainage challenges.
Is Lake County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lake County's soil has a pH of 6.6, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Lake County?
Lake County has a dominant drainage class of "Somewhat poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Lake County's soil?
Based on Lake County's Silty clay texture, pH of 6.6, and Somewhat poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Lake County?
Lake County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lake County
Soil Verdict
Lake 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
Lake County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lake 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.