Loudon County Soil Data
Loudon County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Well drained
Organic Matter
1.5%
Hydrologic Group
B
Data Story
About Soil in Loudon County, Tennessee
Acidic Ultisols of East Tennessee
Loudon County is characterized by highly weathered Ultisols with an average pH of 5.29. This measurement is just under the state average of 5.35 and significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5.
Heavy Silty Clay Loams
The dominant texture is silty clay loam, featuring a high clay content of 25.6%. When mixed with 47.6% silt and 26.8% sand, this soil holds onto nutrients very effectively but can be difficult to work when wet.
Low Fertility Requires Enrichment
The organic matter level of 1.52% is nearly a full percentage point below the Tennessee average of 2.44%. Combined with an Available Water Capacity of 0.162 in/in, these soils require attentive fertilization and consistent watering for peak productivity.
Well-Drained Ground for Healthy Roots
The county's soil is well-drained and categorized in Hydrologic Group B, meaning it moves water efficiently through the profile. This makes the land excellent for preventing root rot and provides a stable foundation for building.
Orchards and Vineyards in Zone 7b
Loudon’s well-drained soil and Zone 7b climate are ideal for vineyards and fruit orchards. Enhance your soil with compost to offset the low organic matter and you will have a thriving garden that produces all season long.
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: Silty clay 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 Loudon County have?
Loudon County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 27% sand, 48% silt, and 26% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Loudon County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Loudon 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 Loudon County?
Loudon 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 Loudon County's soil?
Based on Loudon County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Loudon County?
Loudon County's dominant soil order is Ultisols. Ultisols are highly weathered, clay-rich soils common in humid regions. They are low in natural fertility and often require lime and fertilizer for agriculture.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Loudon County
Soil Verdict
Loudon 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
Loudon County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Loudon 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.