Roane County Soil Data
Roane County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.2
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Roane County, Tennessee
Highly acidic soils in Roane County
Roane County features a fairly acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.17, which sits notably lower than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the 44.2 soil score indicates health that exceeds the Tennessee state average of 38.5.
A balanced mix of sand and silt
The soil composition here is 44.2% silt and 32.2% sand, creating a textured environment with 18.7% clay content. This specific ratio provides a stable structure that balances aeration and density, though workability depends on managing the acidity.
Exceptional organic matter levels
Organic matter in Roane County is impressive at 5.10%, more than doubling the state average of 2.44% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.162 in/in is slightly below the state benchmark of 0.171 in/in, requiring more frequent monitoring during dry spells.
Managing local water movement
While specific drainage classes are not officially mapped for this area, the composition suggests moderate permeability for local growers. Farmers and builders should consider the high organic content when planning structural foundations or irrigation systems.
Hardy growth in Zone 7b
The USDA Hardiness Zone 7b supports a wide variety of perennials and seasonal vegetables that thrive in acidic conditions. Use this rich organic foundation to start a garden featuring blueberries or azaleas, which naturally prefer this soil's unique chemistry.
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 5.2. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Roane County have?
Roane County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 32% sand, 44% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Roane County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Roane County's soil has a low pH of 5.2, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Roane County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Roane County.
What crops or plants grow well in Roane County's soil?
Based on Roane County's Loam texture, pH of 5.2, 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 Roane County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Roane County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Roane County
Soil Verdict
Roane 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
Roane 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 Roane 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.