Beaufort County Soil Data
Beaufort County, North Carolina
Avg pH
4.6
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
11.2%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Beaufort County, North Carolina
Coastal Acidity and High Peat
Beaufort County has highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.63, significantly lower than the national 6.5 median. This reflects the county's coastal history and the accumulation of organic material over centuries. Taxonomic data is limited, but the chemical signature is typical of the Carolina coastal plain.
Sandy Coastal Foundations
The composition is 54.8% sand, 23.3% silt, and 11.9% clay. This sandy base allows for rapid water infiltration through the topsoil layer. The low clay percentage means the soil is very easy to work but has a lower natural ability to hold onto mineral nutrients.
Elite Organic Matter and Water Capacity
The soil boasts a massive 11.21% organic matter, the highest in this group and vastly exceeding the national 2.0% average. Available water capacity is also excellent at 0.161 in/in. This combination creates a unique environment that acts as a powerful reservoir for moisture.
Navigating a High Water Table
Specific drainage classes are not currently mapped, but the high organic matter and coastal location suggest a high water table. While the sandy texture drains quickly, the overall landscape may hold water near the surface. Careful planning is needed for any building or farming that requires deep, dry roots.
Lush Growing in Zone 8b
The warm Zone 8b climate allows for sub-tropical gardening, featuring figs, palms, and long-season vegetables. The exceptionally high organic matter is a goldmine for growers who can manage the high acidity. Start your coastal garden and enjoy one of the longest growing seasons in the state.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Beaufort County have?
Beaufort County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 23% silt, and 12% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Beaufort County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Beaufort County's soil has a low pH of 4.6, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Beaufort County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Beaufort County.
What crops or plants grow well in Beaufort County's soil?
Based on Beaufort County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.6, 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 Beaufort County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Beaufort County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Beaufort 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.