Tipton County Soil Data
Tipton County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
6.0
Texture
Silt Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Tipton County, Tennessee
West Tennessee's Silt-Rich Profile
Tipton County features a pH of 5.95, which is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 5.35. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the chemical profile suggests a highly productive environment.
A Dominance of Fine Silt
The soil composition is staggering, with 70.3% silt and 18.2% clay. This high silt percentage creates a flour-like texture that is exceptionally easy for roots to penetrate, though the low 11.5% sand makes it prone to compaction.
Unmatched Water Storage Potential
Tipton's available water capacity is a robust 0.202 in/in, far exceeding the Tennessee average of 0.171. While organic matter is lower at 1.80%, the soil's ability to hold water makes it a powerhouse for agriculture.
Understanding Local Water Flow
Detailed drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for Tipton County. Farmers and builders should rely on local site assessments to determine how the high silt content affects water movement on their specific plots.
Long Growing Seasons in Zone 8a
In the warmer 8a hardiness zone, Tipton's high soil score of 59.2 makes it one of the best in the state. This is an ideal climate for cotton, pecans, and extended-season vegetable gardens.
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 6.0. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Tipton County have?
Tipton County's soil is classified as Silt Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 11% sand, 70% silt, and 18% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Tipton County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Tipton County's soil has a pH of 6.0, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Tipton County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Tipton County.
What crops or plants grow well in Tipton County's soil?
Based on Tipton County's Silt Loam texture, pH of 6.0, 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 Tipton County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Tipton County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Tipton County
Soil Verdict
Tipton County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°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
Tipton County is somewhat warmer than the Tennessee statewide average.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Tipton 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.