Anson County Soil Data
Anson County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.3
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
1.3%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Anson County, North Carolina
Acidic Foundations in the South
Anson County soils average a pH of 5.28, which is lower than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is slightly higher than the state average of 5.14, making it typical for the region. No specific taxonomic order data is currently available for the county.
Sand-Heavy Soil Composition
The soil is 53.1% sand, 29.9% silt, and 16.2% clay. This creates a porous structure that is generally easy to plow and manage. The clay content is just high enough to help bind nutrients, preventing them from washing away too rapidly.
Low Organic Matter Challenges
At 1.32%, the organic matter is below the national average of 2.0% and well below the state average of 5.12%. The available water capacity is 0.131 in/in, which is nearly identical to the state average of 0.134. Growers should focus on adding compost or cover crops to improve soil health over time.
Water Management in the Piedmont
Data regarding specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups is currently limited for Anson. Given the sand-dominant composition, the soil likely drains at a moderate to fast rate. Farmers and builders should verify local conditions, as clay pockets can still cause localized drainage issues.
Warm Weather Growing in Zone 8a
Anson’s Zone 8a climate allows for a long growing season for peppers, tomatoes, and cotton. The sandy soils warm up quickly in the spring, giving gardeners an early start. Get your seeds in the ground and take advantage of the long Carolina summer.
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: Sandy Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Acidic Soil Detected
Your county's average pH is 5.3. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Anson County have?
Anson County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 53% sand, 30% silt, and 16% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Anson County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Anson 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 Anson County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Anson County.
What crops or plants grow well in Anson County's soil?
Based on Anson County's Sandy 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 Anson County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Anson County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Anson County
Soil Verdict
Anson County is in USDA hardiness zone 8a, a warm climate zone. where winter lows can reach 10°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
Anson County closely matches the North Carolina average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Anson 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.