Obion County Soil Data
Obion County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.7
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Obion County, Tennessee
Slightly Acidic Soils of Obion
Obion County maintains an average pH of 5.68, which is more alkaline than the state average of 5.35. However, it still falls below the national median pH of 6.5.
A Dominance of Fine Silt
The soil is remarkably silty, containing 75.2% silt and only 6.4% sand. This fine-textured mix offers excellent nutrient retention but is highly susceptible to erosion if left uncovered.
Superior Water Holding Capacity
Obion boasts an available water capacity of 0.210 in/in, far exceeding the state average of 0.171. Though organic matter is lower than the state average at 1.78%, the soil's structure holds moisture effectively.
Hydrologic Management and Drainage
While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high silt content suggests slow to moderate water movement. Farmers must manage these fields carefully to prevent compaction after heavy rains.
Bountiful Harvests in Zone 7b
The 7b climate is ideal for corn, soybeans, and large-scale commercial agriculture. Local gardeners can maximize this silty soil by growing deep-rooted crops like carrots and sweet potatoes.
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: Silt Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.7. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Obion County have?
Obion County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 6% sand, 75% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Obion County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Obion County's soil has a pH of 5.7, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Obion County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Obion County.
What crops or plants grow well in Obion County's soil?
Based on Obion County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.7, 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 Obion County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Obion County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Obion County
Soil Verdict
Obion 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
Obion County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Obion 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.