Unicoi County Soil Data
Unicoi County, Tennessee
Avg pH
4.7
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.1%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Unicoi County, Tennessee
The Acidic Highlands of Unicoi
Unicoi County deals with highly acidic conditions, featuring an average pH of 4.69. This is significantly lower than both the national 6.5 median and the Tennessee state average of 5.35.
A Gritty, High-Sand Mix
The soil profile is 40.1% sand and 35.2% silt, creating a coarser texture than much of the state. With only 13.2% clay, this soil lacks the natural nutrient stickiness of heavier loams but offers excellent aeration for roots.
Rich in Carbon, Lean on Water
Organic matter is very high at 5.11%, more than doubling the state average. However, the available water capacity of 0.138 in/in is quite low, meaning the soil struggles to hold onto moisture during dry periods.
Challenging Data for Complex Terrains
Standard drainage and hydrologic group classifications are currently unavailable for this county. Given the high sand content and mountainous terrain, local water movement is likely rapid but highly dependent on the specific slope.
Cultivating the Cool Zone 7a
In the cooler zone 7a, Unicoi's soil is well-suited for acid-loving mountain crops like berries. While the soil score is a modest 32.3, the high organic matter provides a great base if you can manage the acidity.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Unicoi County have?
Unicoi County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 40% sand, 35% silt, and 13% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Unicoi County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Unicoi County's soil has a low pH of 4.7, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Unicoi County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Unicoi County.
What crops or plants grow well in Unicoi County's soil?
Based on Unicoi County's Loam texture, pH of 4.7, 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 Unicoi County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Unicoi County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Unicoi 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.