Alamance County Soil Data
Alamance County, North Carolina
Avg pH
5.3
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Alamance County, North Carolina
Acidic Foundations in Central North Carolina
Alamance County soils maintain an average pH of 5.27, significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is slightly higher than the North Carolina state average of 5.14. While specific taxonomic data is currently limited, the low pH defines the chemical landscape for local growers.
A Balanced Sand and Silt Mix
The soil contains 48.9% sand, 34.0% silt, and 15.6% clay. This mixture provides a workable texture that allows for decent root penetration. The moderate clay content helps the soil hold its structure during typical Piedmont weather patterns.
Low Organic Matter with High Water Retention
Organic matter sits at 1.19%, which falls well below the state average of 5.12% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.165 in/in is quite high compared to the North Carolina average of 0.134. This means the soil is efficient at holding moisture for plants despite being low in carbon.
Managing Water Flow in Alamance
While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unmapped for the county, the physical composition suggests a moderate drainage rate. Growers should monitor for ponding during heavy rains given the balanced silt and sand profile. Local observations are the best tool for site-specific building and farming projects.
Abundant Potential in Zone 8a
Alamance falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, supporting a wide range of heat-tolerant vegetables and ornamentals. High water capacity makes it an excellent spot for blueberries and azaleas if you manage the acidity. Grab a bag of lime and start your garden today.
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 Alamance County have?
Alamance County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 49% sand, 34% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Alamance County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Alamance County's soil has a low pH of 5.3, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Alamance County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Alamance County.
What crops or plants grow well in Alamance County's soil?
Based on Alamance County's Loam texture, pH of 5.3, 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 Alamance County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Alamance County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Alamance County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in North Carolina
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.