Tennessee’s landscape allows for a wide spectrum of plant life to thrive. Stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River, the state features diverse climates and a multitude of soil types. This geological variation makes Tennessee agriculturally rich and ecologically varied, supporting both massive commodity crops and native flora.
The Role of Tennessee’s Diverse Geography
The agricultural and botanical diversity of Tennessee is rooted in its distinct topography, traditionally divided into three Grand Divisions. East Tennessee, dominated by the Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountains, features rocky soils and cooler temperatures, suited for forestry and pastureland. Middle Tennessee encompasses the Highland Rim and the fertile Nashville Basin, where porous limestone creates karst terrain, yet the deep soils support crops and livestock grazing. West Tennessee is part of the Gulf Coastal Plain, characterized by flat terrain and deep, rich alluvial and loess soils. This fertility and a longer growing season support the state’s highest concentration of row crop agriculture.
Major Commercial Crops and Agricultural Output
Commodity crops represent a substantial portion of Tennessee’s agricultural economy. Soybeans are consistently the state’s top commodity in terms of cash receipts, utilized for animal feed, oil, and biodiesel. Corn is another dominant grain, allocated for ethanol and livestock feed. Cotton production is heavily concentrated in the fertile, westernmost regions, where the climate and soil are optimal for the fiber crop. Hay and haylage are major outputs, providing forage for the state’s beef cattle and dairy operations; dark tobacco also remains a notable cash crop, with Tennessee ranking highly in national production.
Key Native Trees and Forest Ecosystems
Forests cover nearly 14 million acres of Tennessee. The state tree, the Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), is a fast-growing hardwood found throughout the region, valued for its timber and its distinctive flowers. Various species of Oak (Quercus spp.) and Hickory (Carya spp.) dominate the expansive hardwood forests, serving as primary species for commercial logging and providing food for wildlife. Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) is widespread, particularly in the shallow, limestone-derived soils of the Central Basin, forming unique cedar glade ecosystems. Other native trees include the Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), American Beech (Fagus grandifolia), and ornamental species like the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) and Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis).
Common Fruits, Vegetables, and Specialty Horticulture
Tennessee sustains a vibrant sector of specialty crops, fruits, and vegetables grown on smaller farms and in home gardens. The state is a significant producer of fresh market vegetables, ranking among the top five nationally for cash receipts from both tomatoes and snap beans. Small fruits like strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries are widely cultivated. Tree fruits, including peaches and apples, are grown in orchards on a localized commercial scale. Specialty horticulture also includes root vegetables like sweet potatoes and Irish potatoes, as well as cool-season crops such as kale, collards, and carrots, which can be planted in both spring and fall.