Burke County Soil Data
Burke County, North Carolina
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
5.1
Texture
Sandy Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
7.5%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Burke County, North Carolina
Typical Foothills Acidity in Burke
Burke County soil has a pH of 5.07, which almost perfectly aligns with the state average of 5.14. It is much more acidic than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime to support common vegetable crops.
Strong Sand and Silt Foundation
The soil mix includes 54.9% sand, 22.7% silt, and 13.9% clay. This composition offers a stable environment for roots while maintaining enough sand for decent drainage and easy seasonal tilling.
Rich Organic Matter for Gardening
At 7.46%, the organic matter content in Burke is significantly higher than the state average of 5.12%. However, the available water capacity of 0.123 in/in is slightly lower than the state average, so mulching is recommended to retain moisture.
Reliable Foothills Drainage
While specific hydrologic data is not available, the 54.9% sand level suggests reliable drainage for most home gardens. This prevents water from pooling around roots during the wet spring months.
A Productive Base in Zone 7b
Hardiness zone 7b and a soil score of 33.8 make Burke an excellent place for berries, peppers, and hardy perennials. Your high organic content provides a fertile start for any new garden plot.
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 5.1. These products help balance soil pH for healthier grass.
Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Burke County have?
Burke County's soil is classified as Sandy Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 55% sand, 23% silt, and 14% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Burke County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Burke County's soil has a low pH of 5.1, which is strongly acidic. Acidic soils benefit from lime applications to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.
What is the drainage class for Burke County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Burke County.
What crops or plants grow well in Burke County's soil?
Based on Burke County's Sandy Loam texture, pH of 5.1, 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 Burke County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Burke County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Burke County
Soil Verdict
Burke County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b, a moderate climate zone. where winter lows can reach 5°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
Burke County is somewhat cooler than the North Carolina statewide average. The zone range of 7b-8a within the county means soil and planting decisions should account for local elevation and topography.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Burke 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.