Stewart County Soil Data
Stewart County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.5
Texture
Silt loam
Drainage
Moderately well drained
Organic Matter
2.4%
Hydrologic Group
C/D
Data Story
About Soil in Stewart County, Tennessee
Silt Loam and Ultisols in Stewart County
Stewart County features a dominant silt loam texture and belongs to the weathered Ultisols taxonomic order. Its average pH of 5.54 is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, though it remains slightly higher than the Tennessee state average of 5.35.
A Silt-Heavy Foundation for Farming
The soil is comprised of 58.2% silt and 19.0% clay, offering a smooth texture that holds nutrients effectively. With a sand content of 20.6%, these soils provide a stable balance that supports both agricultural workability and moisture retention.
Reliable Organic Matter and Water Storage
The county's organic matter sits at 2.42%, aligning closely with the state average of 2.44%. An available water capacity of 0.174 in/in slightly outperforms the state benchmark, suggesting a resilient environment for crops during dry spells.
Navigating Moderately Well-Drained Slopes
Classified as moderately well-drained, these soils belong to hydrologic group C/D. This indicates a potential for slower water infiltration, which requires careful management for large-scale building or intensive irrigation.
Abundant Growth in Hardiness Zone 7b
Stewart County sits in zone 7b, where the silt-rich soil is ideal for corn, soybeans, and home vegetable gardens. With a soil score of 46.1, which is well above the state average of 38.5, local gardeners have a strong foundation for success.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group C — Moderate-High Runoff
Soils with slow infiltration rates, often with a layer that impedes downward water movement. Higher clay content restricts drainage.
Drainage Class
Moderately well drained
Water is removed somewhat slowly. May have a slowly permeable layer or seasonal water table.
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 5.5. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Stewart County have?
Stewart County's soil is classified as Silt loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 21% sand, 58% silt, and 19% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Stewart County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Stewart 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 Stewart County?
Stewart County has a dominant drainage class of "Moderately well drained." Well-drained soils allow excess water to move through quickly, reducing waterlogging risk and supporting most field and garden crops.
What crops or plants grow well in Stewart County's soil?
Based on Stewart County's Silt loam texture, pH of 5.5, and Moderately well drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, most annual and perennial crops.
What USDA soil order is found in Stewart County?
Stewart County's dominant soil order is Ultisols. Ultisols are highly weathered, clay-rich soils common in humid regions. They are low in natural fertility and often require lime and fertilizer for agriculture.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Stewart County
Soil Verdict
Stewart 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
Stewart 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 Stewart 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.