Perry County Soil Data
Perry County, Tennessee
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.7%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Perry County, Tennessee
Highly Acidic Valley Soils
Perry County features a pH of 5.28, which is slightly more acidic than the state average. This environment is nearly 1.2 points more acidic than the national median.
Silt-Heavy Working Conditions
The soil contains 55.4% silt and 21.6% clay, providing a heavy but workable texture. This composition helps retain minerals but requires careful timing to avoid working the soil when wet.
Lower Organic Matter Levels
Organic matter measures 1.67%, trailing the state average of 2.44%. However, the water capacity of 0.169 in/in is nearly identical to the state benchmark, ensuring consistent moisture for plants.
Soil Score and Drainage
Perry holds a soil score of 32.0, indicating more challenging conditions than the state average of 38.5. The high silt and clay content often results in slower drainage across the landscape.
Lush Growth in Zone 7b
Hardiness zone 7b allows for a long growing season that favors peppers and beans. Adding compost will help improve the low organic matter levels and boost garden yields.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Perry County have?
Perry County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 55% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Perry County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Perry 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 Perry County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Perry County.
What crops or plants grow well in Perry County's soil?
Based on Perry County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Perry County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Perry County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Perry 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.