Lawrence County Soil Data
Lawrence County, Tennessee
Avg pH
5.1
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Lawrence County, Tennessee
Acidic Alfisols on the Highland Rim
Lawrence County features Alfisols with a pH of 5.15, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.35. This acidity is a defining trait, as it sits well below the national median of 6.5 and often requires lime to support varied crops.
The Balance of Silt Loam
The dominant silt loam texture consists of 57.0% silt and 21.1% sand, offering a favorable balance of workability and structure. The 20.4% clay content helps the soil hold onto nutrients while still allowing for adequate root penetration.
Building Organic Matter and Moisture
Organic matter levels reach 1.75%, which falls below the 2.44% Tennessee average and the 2.0% national benchmark. With an Available Water Capacity of 0.162 in/in, these soils hold slightly less water than the state norm, making irrigation planning important.
Reliable and Well-Drained Acreage
The soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to Hydrologic Group B, facilitating steady water infiltration across the county. This characteristic makes the land highly suitable for both row crops and residential building projects.
Garden Success in Zone 7b
Situated in Hardiness Zone 7b, Lawrence County is ideal for growing staples like corn, soybeans, and hearty root vegetables. Start your garden by adding organic compost to boost the relatively low fertility and improve the soil's natural structure.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group B — Moderate Runoff
Moderately deep, moderately well-drained soils with moderate infiltration rates. Good balance of drainage and water retention.
Drainage Class
Well drained
Water is removed from the soil readily but not rapidly. Optimal for most plants and construction.
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 Lawrence County have?
Lawrence County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 57% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lawrence County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lawrence County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Lawrence County?
Lawrence County has a dominant drainage class of "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 Lawrence County's soil?
Based on Lawrence County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.1, and 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 Lawrence County?
Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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.