Madison County Soil Data
Madison County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
1.4%
Hydrologic Group
B/D
Data Story
About Soil in Madison County, Tennessee
Young Entisols with High Acidity
Madison County is defined by Entisols with a pH of 5.15, placing it among the more acidic regions of the state. This level is far below the national median of 6.5, requiring soil testing and lime adjustments for most traditional gardening.
Dense Silt for Moisture Holding
With a high silt content of 67.4% and only 16.8% sand, these silt loam soils have a very fine, smooth texture. The 14.6% clay content is relatively low, but the dominance of silt can still lead to compaction if the soil is overworked.
Impressive Water Storage Potential
The Available Water Capacity is an impressive 0.194 in/in, far exceeding the state average of 0.171. However, fertility is hampered by a low organic matter level of 1.39%, which is nearly half the Tennessee average.
Managing Poorly Drained Landscapes
Classified as poorly drained and belonging to Hydrologic Group B/D, this soil often stays saturated for long periods. Gardeners and builders should use raised beds or drainage systems to prevent water from pooling on the surface.
Wet-Weather Favorites for Zone 7b
In Zone 7b, the combination of high water storage and poor drainage makes this area great for moisture-loving plants like pecans or elderberries. Focus on adding organic matter to improve the soil's structure and drainage for a diverse garden.
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
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
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 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Madison County have?
Madison County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 17% sand, 67% silt, and 15% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Madison County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Madison 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 Madison County?
Madison County has a dominant drainage class of "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 Madison County's soil?
Based on Madison County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.1, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Madison County?
Madison County's dominant soil order is Entisols. Entisols are recently formed soils with little to no horizon development. They are common on floodplains, steep slopes, and sandy deposits.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Madison County
Soil Verdict
Madison 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
Madison County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Madison 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.