Maury County Soil Data
Maury County, Tennessee
Avg pH
5.4
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
1.6%
Hydrologic Group
B/D
Data Story
About Soil in Maury County, Tennessee
The acidic Inceptisols of Maury County
Maury County's soil belongs to the Inceptisols order, characterized by a pH of 5.37 which matches the Tennessee state average. This level is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime treatments for optimal nutrient availability.
Classic silt loam defines the landscape
The dominant texture is silt loam, comprised of 51.9% silt, 24.3% clay, and 16.2% sand. This balance provides excellent nutrient retention and good workability, though the clay content makes it prone to stickiness when wet.
Fertility challenges for Maury growers
At 1.62%, organic matter levels are well below the state average of 2.44% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.157 in/in also trails the state benchmark, suggesting a greater need for irrigation or mulching to sustain growth.
Moderately well-drained soils with dual hydrology
Maury's soils are classified as moderately well drained and belong to hydrologic group B/D. This means the soil typically drains well but may face severe runoff risks or slow drainage if a shallow water table is present.
Thriving in the Maury County climate
Located in Zone 7b, this silt loam is ideal for traditional Tennessee crops like tobacco and forage grasses. Gardeners should focus on building organic matter to boost the soil's naturally lower fertility and water storage.
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
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
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 Maury County have?
Maury County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 16% sand, 52% silt, and 24% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Maury County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Maury County's soil has a low pH of 5.4, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Maury County?
Maury County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately 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 Maury County's soil?
Based on Maury County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.4, and Moderately 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 Maury County?
Maury County's dominant soil order is Inceptisols. Inceptisols are young soils with weak horizon development. They occur in a wide range of climates and parent materials.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Maury 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.