Bladen County Soil Data
Bladen County, North Carolina
Avg pH
4.9
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
6.8%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Bladen County, North Carolina
Highly Acidic Soils in Bladen
Bladen County features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.90, which is lower than the North Carolina average of 5.14. This level sits significantly below the national median of 6.5, requiring local growers to carefully manage soil chemistry.
Sand-Heavy Textures Define the Landscape
The soil composition is dominated by 64.3% sand, leaving just 20.2% silt and 10.5% clay. This high sand content ensures easy workability and fast movement of water, though it can make nutrient retention a challenge for some crops.
Superior Organic Matter Levels
Bladen boasts an organic matter content of 6.84%, which is much higher than the state average of 5.12% and the national 2.0% benchmark. Its available water capacity of 0.141 in/in also beats the state average, providing a strong foundation for plant growth.
Fast Drainage for Sandy Grounds
While specific drainage classes are not listed, the 64.3% sand concentration typically indicates rapid water movement through the soil profile. This drainage style prevents waterlogging but requires consistent monitoring of moisture levels during dry spells.
Perfect Conditions for Coastal Favorites
In hardiness zone 8b, Bladen's organic-rich soil is ideal for blueberries and heat-tolerant shrubs. With an overall soil score of 37.1—well above the state average of 29.4—your home garden has a great head start.
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 Bladen County have?
Bladen County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 64% sand, 20% silt, and 11% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Bladen County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Bladen County's soil has a low pH of 4.9, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Bladen County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Bladen County.
What crops or plants grow well in Bladen County's soil?
Based on Bladen County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 4.9, 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 Bladen County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Bladen County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Bladen 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.