Monroe County Soil Data
Monroe County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
C
Data Story
About Soil in Monroe County, Tennessee
Inceptisols of the Appalachian foothills
Monroe County soils belong to the Inceptisols order and have an average pH of 5.29. This level is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.35 and falls well below the national target of 6.5 for most garden plants.
Productive silt loam textures in Monroe
The soil is classified as a silt loam, containing 46.0% silt, 31.8% sand, and 22.1% clay. This texture is highly valued by farmers because it balances the moisture-holding ability of clay with the easy drainage and aeration of sand.
Below average fertility and water storage
With an organic matter content of 1.80%, Monroe falls short of the Tennessee average of 2.44%. The available water capacity is also slightly lower at 0.167 in/in, suggesting that soil amendments are necessary to improve long-term productivity.
Moderate drainage in hydrologic group C
Monroe's soils are moderately well drained but fall into hydrologic group C, indicating somewhat slow infiltration rates. This combination means the soil stays moist after rain, which can be beneficial for crops but may delay spring planting during wet years.
Diverse opportunities in Zone 7b
This silt loam supports a wide range of agriculture in Zone 7b, from commercial timber to backyard berry patches. Adding organic mulch will help compensate for the lower water capacity and naturally acidic conditions to ensure gardening success.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
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
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 Monroe County have?
Monroe County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 46% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Monroe County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Monroe 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 Monroe County?
Monroe 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 Monroe County's soil?
Based on Monroe County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Monroe County?
Monroe 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.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Monroe County
Soil Verdict
Monroe 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
Monroe County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Monroe 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.