Lewis County Soil Data
Lewis County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Lewis County, Tennessee
Challenging Acidity in Lewis Soils
The soil in Lewis County has a pH of 5.26, making it slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.35. This profile is significantly more acidic than the 6.5 national median, which can limit the availability of key nutrients for plants.
Smooth Textures with Low Sand
A composition of 61.4% silt and 18.2% clay provides a smooth, fine-textured earth that holds moisture well. The 20.4% sand content adds a moderate amount of aeration, though the high silt levels can lead to surface crusting after rain.
Steady Water Storage Potential
The Available Water Capacity of 0.173 in/in sits just above the Tennessee state average, providing reliable moisture for local flora. However, the organic matter content of 1.87% is below the state average of 2.44%, indicating a need for soil enrichment.
Understanding Silt-Driven Moisture
Formal drainage and hydrologic data are limited for this county’s profile, but the high silt concentration suggests moderate water movement. Gardeners should focus on improving surface drainage to prevent water from pooling in low-lying spots.
Planting for Success in Zone 7b
In Hardiness Zone 7b, the silty soils are well-suited for temperate crops like potatoes and fruit trees that enjoy steady moisture. Enriching your soil with organic mulch will help overcome low organic matter and keep your garden productive year-round.
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 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Lewis County have?
Lewis County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 20% sand, 61% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Lewis County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Lewis County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Lewis County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Lewis County.
What crops or plants grow well in Lewis County's soil?
Based on Lewis County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Lewis County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Lewis County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Lewis County
Soil Verdict
Lewis 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
Lewis County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Lewis 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.