Rhea County Soil Data
Rhea County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Rhea County, Tennessee
Moderate Acidity Near the River
Rhea County shows a pH of 5.54, making it less acidic than many neighboring counties. This is higher than the state average but remains below the national median of 6.5.
Balanced Sandy-Silt Composition
The soil is comprised of 37.4% sand and 43.4% silt, offering a light and aerated structure. This mix provides better drainage for crops than the heavy clays found elsewhere in the state.
Stable Moisture and Fertility
Organic matter content is 1.89%, which is slightly lower than the state average of 2.44%. The water capacity of 0.168 in/in is nearly identical to the state benchmark, providing reliable hydration.
Favorable Soil Quality Score
A soil score of 40.3 places Rhea above the state average of 38.5 for agricultural quality. The sandy texture generally supports good drainage, reducing the risk of waterlogged roots.
Thriving Gardens in Zone 7b
Zone 7b's mild winters and Rhea's well-balanced soil are perfect for tomatoes and okra. Consider adding organic mulch to boost the fertility levels of your sandy-silt beds.
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 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Rhea County have?
Rhea County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 43% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Rhea County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Rhea County's soil has a pH of 5.5, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Rhea County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Rhea County.
What crops or plants grow well in Rhea County's soil?
Based on Rhea County's Loam texture, pH of 5.5, 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 Rhea County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Rhea County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Rhea County
Soil Verdict
Rhea 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
Rhea County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions. The zone range of 7a-7b within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Rhea 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.