McMinn County Soil Data
McMinn County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
4.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
14.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in McMinn County, Tennessee
Highly acidic soil with exceptional organic life
McMinn County features a very low average pH of 4.69, making it significantly more acidic than both the state average of 5.35 and the national median of 6.5. Despite this acidity, the county maintains a strong soil score of 44.2, outperforming the state average of 38.5.
A balanced mix with higher sand content
The soil contains 39.6% silt and 29.5% sand, offering better natural drainage and easier tilling than many neighboring counties. With a clay percentage of 18.2%, the soil resists heavy compaction while still holding enough nutrients for vigorous plant growth.
Record-breaking organic matter levels
McMinn boasts a staggering 14.24% organic matter content, nearly six times the Tennessee state average of 2.44%. While available water capacity is slightly lower than the state average at 0.154 in/in, the massive organic reserves provide an incredible foundation for biological health.
Managing drainage in McMinn's unique terrain
Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable, but the high sand and organic content suggest a soil that handles moisture differently than standard Tennessee clay. Landowners should monitor for rapid nutrient leaching due to the high sand and acidic conditions.
Acid-loving plants thrive in Zone 7b
The low pH and high organic matter in McMinn are perfect for acid-loving crops like blueberries, azaleas, and potatoes. Gardeners in this 7b zone should take advantage of the rich soil by using mulch to stabilize the slightly lower water capacity.
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: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 4.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does McMinn County have?
McMinn County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 30% sand, 40% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is McMinn County's soil acidic or alkaline?
McMinn County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for McMinn County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for McMinn County.
What crops or plants grow well in McMinn County's soil?
Based on McMinn County's Loam texture, pH of 4.7, 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 McMinn County?
The dominant USDA soil order for McMinn County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: McMinn County
Soil Verdict
McMinn 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
McMinn County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for McMinn 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.