Composition of Tennessee Topsoil

Tennessee topsoil is often loamy with acid content increasing at greater depths.

Tennessee has a variety of topsoil types that nevertheless have some common characteristics. According to USDA surveys, most of Tennessee is covered with a loamy topsoil that becomes more acidic at greater depths.

Topsoil Content

Limestone can be found in topsoil throughout Tennessee.

Clay, limestone, sand, shale, silt and quartz occur in varying amounts in topsoil in Tennessee. In the Great Smoky Mountains, topsoil frequently contains an abundance of slate.

Topsoil Deficiencies

Soil in Tennessee may lack enough calcium and magnesium, especially where tomatoes have been grown.

Most types of Tennessee topsoil contain only low amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and lime. Sandy soil, especially where tomatoes and peppers have been grown, may be also lack sufficient calcium and magnesium. Low magnesium content is especially characteristic of topsoil in the Cumberland Plateau and Highland Rim.

Soil Testing

Soil testing can help determine what may be lacking or overly abundant in your topsoil. The University of Tennessee Soil, Plant and Pest Center provides soil testing for a nominal fee. An agent with the service can help you submit a soil sample for an analysis that will determine your soil's pH and structure, as well as which nutrients you will need to add to improve your topsoil.

References

• Garden Guides: Composition of Tennessee Topsoil
• University of Tennessee: Soil, Plant & Pest Center: Soil Testing
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Web Soil Survey
• UT Extension: Soil Testing
• SOIL SURVEY HORIZONS: Trace Element Concentrations of Three Soils in Central Appalachia

Resources

• Total elemental analysis: J. T. Ammons et al: University of Tennessee: 1997.