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Moore County Soil Data

Moore County, Tennessee

USDA SSURGO / PHZM

Avg pH

5.6

Texture

Silt Loam

Drainage

N/A

Organic Matter

2.3%

Hydrologic Group

N/A

Data Story

About Soil in Moore County, Tennessee

Reliable soil quality in the Jack Daniel's home

Moore County features a solid soil score of 48.2, placing it well above the state average of 38.5. The pH level of 5.63 is also healthier than the state average of 5.35, providing a better environment for nutrient uptake than many neighbors.

Silt-heavy texture for Moore County

The soil contains 61.4% silt and 20.8% clay, resulting in a fine-textured soil that feels smooth to the touch. With only 17.8% sand, the soil is very effective at trapping moisture, though it may be prone to crusting after heavy rains.

Steady moisture and healthy organic matter

Moore County nearly hits the national average for organic matter at 2.26% and maintains a strong available water capacity of 0.180 in/in. This combination ensures that the soil can support sustained plant growth even when summer rains become infrequent.

Water management in Moore's silty terrain

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the high silt and clay content indicates that water moves slowly through the profile. Residents should focus on maintaining soil structure to ensure that heavy rains don't lead to drainage issues in low-lying areas.

Abundant harvests in Zone 7b

The combination of high silt and good water capacity makes Moore County an excellent spot for Zone 7b gardening. This soil is perfectly suited for corn, pumpkins, and lush lawns, so don't hesitate to start your growing season early.

Soil Composition

Silt Loam
Sand: 17.8%
Silt: 61.4%
Clay: 20.8%
Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6pH
5.62634643821217
Strongly AcidicSlightly AcidicNeutralSlightly AlkalineStrongly Alkaline
Ideal lawn range: 6.0 - 7.0

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: Silt Loam

O HorizonOrganic layer
0-2"
A HorizonTopsoil
2-10"
B HorizonSubsoil
10-30"
C HorizonParent material
30-60"
R HorizonBedrock
60"+

Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.

Acidic Soil Detected

Your county's average pH is 5.6. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.

Browse Soil Amendments

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does Moore County have?

Moore County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 61% silt, and 21% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.

Is Moore County's soil acidic or alkaline?

Moore County's soil has a pH of 5.6, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.

What is the drainage class for Moore County?

Drainage class data is not currently available for Moore County.

What crops or plants grow well in Moore County's soil?

Based on Moore County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.6, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens.

What USDA soil order is found in Moore County?

The dominant USDA soil order for Moore County is not currently available in our dataset.

Soil & Planting Advisory: Moore County

Soil Verdict

Moore 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

Moore County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions.

Other Counties in Tennessee

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

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.