Wilson County Soil Data
Wilson County, Tennessee
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.8
Texture
Silty clay loam
Drainage
Poorly drained
Organic Matter
1.9%
Hydrologic Group
D
Data Story
About Soil in Wilson County, Tennessee
Wilson's High-Performing Mollisol Soils
Wilson County earns a high soil score of 48.5, far outpacing the Tennessee average of 38.5. Its pH of 5.80 is among the highest in the state, getting closer to the national median of 6.5 than most neighbors. These Mollisols are naturally fertile and less acidic, making them a premium asset for growers.
Substantial Clay for Nutrient Grip
With 25.5% clay and 56.6% silt, Wilson's soils have a heavy silty clay loam texture. This composition is excellent for locking in nutrients and supporting heavy-feeding crops. The low sand content of 17.9% means the soil stays firm and holds its structure well under use.
Strong Water Storage and Organic Matter
The available water capacity is a robust 0.180 in/in, which is higher than the state average. Organic matter is 1.92%, nearly reaching the national 2.0% benchmark and providing a solid biological foundation. This combination of water and nutrient storage makes Wilson's soil incredibly resilient.
Managing Poorly Drained Heavy Soils
Despite its high fertility, the soil is classified as poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group D. The high clay and silt content can lead to ponding and slow water movement during the rainy season. Gardeners should consider raised beds or drainage tile to prevent roots from drowning in these heavy loams.
Abundant Growth in Wilson County
In hardiness zone 7b, the near-ideal pH of 5.80 allows for a massive range of vegetables and flowers with minimal liming. The high water capacity means your garden will stay greener longer during a mid-summer dry spell. Your soil is among the best in the state, so it is the perfect year to expand your garden.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Group D — High Runoff
Clay soils with very slow infiltration rates. Highest runoff potential. These soils have a permanent high water table or are shallow over impervious material.
Drainage Class
Poorly drained
Water is removed so slowly that the soil is wet at or near the surface much of the year. Drainage improvement usually needed.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Silty clay loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.8. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Wilson County have?
Wilson County's soil is classified as Silty clay loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 18% sand, 57% silt, and 25% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Wilson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Wilson County's soil has a pH of 5.8, which is moderately acidic. This range suits many crops and is common across much of the eastern US.
What is the drainage class for Wilson County?
Wilson County has a dominant drainage class of "Poorly drained." Poorly drained soils retain water for extended periods, which can limit crop choices and may require tile drainage or raised beds.
What crops or plants grow well in Wilson County's soil?
Based on Wilson County's Silty clay loam texture, pH of 5.8, and Poorly drained, the soil is well suited for vegetables, grains, and most field crops, row crops and vegetable gardens, rice, cranberries, and other water-tolerant species.
What USDA soil order is found in Wilson County?
Wilson County's dominant soil order is Mollisols. Mollisols are fertile, dark-colored soils that formed under grassland vegetation. They are among the most productive agricultural soils in the world.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Wilson County
Soil Verdict
Wilson 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
Wilson County closely matches the Tennessee average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Wilson 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.