Buncombe County Soil Data
Buncombe County, North Carolina
Avg pH
4.8
Texture
Extremely gravelly sand
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
9.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Buncombe County, North Carolina
Gravelly Mountain Soils of Buncombe
Buncombe County is characterized by 'extremely gravelly sand' and an acidic pH of 4.81. This is notably lower than the national median of 6.5 and reflects the unique chemical nature of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Balanced Silt and Clay Mix
The soil contains 44.2% sand, 28.4% silt, and 16.4% clay, providing more structure than coastal counties. The gravelly texture prevents heavy compaction, allowing roots to penetrate the soil more easily on mountain slopes.
Exceptional Organic Nutrient Reservoir
Buncombe features a massive 9.46% organic matter content, nearly doubling the state average of 5.12%. Its available water capacity of 0.143 in/in also exceeds the state norm, ensuring plants stay hydrated even in the rocky terrain.
High Permeability for Steep Slopes
While specific drainage data is unavailable, the gravelly sand texture suggests that water moves quickly through the earth. This is crucial for preventing erosion and soil saturation during heavy mountain rainstorms.
Apples and Herbs Thriving in 7b
Hardiness zone 7b is perfect for Buncombe's famous apples, rhododendrons, and medicinal herbs. With a solid soil score of 39.3, this high-organic mountain soil is ready for your backyard agriculture projects.
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: Extremely gravelly sand
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Buncombe County have?
Buncombe County's soil is classified as Extremely gravelly sand. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 44% sand, 28% silt, and 16% clay. Sandy soils drain quickly but may need more frequent irrigation and fertilization.
Is Buncombe County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Buncombe County's soil has a low pH of 4.8, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Buncombe County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Buncombe County.
What crops or plants grow well in Buncombe County's soil?
Based on Buncombe County's Extremely gravelly sand texture, pH of 4.8, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas, drought-tolerant crops, root vegetables, and sandy-soil specialists.
What USDA soil order is found in Buncombe County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Buncombe County is not currently available in our dataset.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Buncombe 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.